The Navy Midshipmen secured a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, culminating a remarkable turnaround season for the Midshipmen and capping off a disappointing year for the Sooners. The game’s dramatic ending, punctuated by Oklahoma’s failed two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds, underscored the fiercely contested nature of the matchup. This victory propelled Navy to a 10-3 finish, a significant achievement after several challenging seasons, while Oklahoma concluded their year with a subpar 6-7 record.
The game’s narrative unfolded in distinct phases. Oklahoma dominated the initial stages, showcasing their offensive prowess with two quick touchdowns in the first quarter. Running back Gavin Sawchuk broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run, followed by a spectacular 56-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Zion Kearney, putting the Sooners up 14-0 and seemingly in control. However, the Midshipmen refused to succumb to the early pressure. They mounted a resilient comeback, scoring 21 unanswered points, turning the tide of the game and ultimately securing the victory.
Navy’s resurgence began in the second quarter. Alex Tecza, the Midshipmen’s fullback, punctuated a determined drive with an 11-yard touchdown run, narrowing Oklahoma’s lead to 14-7. This score injected renewed energy into the Navy team and signaled a shift in momentum. The Midshipmen’s defense stiffened, disrupting Oklahoma’s offensive rhythm and creating opportunities for their own offense to flourish.
The third quarter witnessed a historic play for Navy. Quarterback Blake Horvath etched his name into the Midshipmen’s record books with a breathtaking 95-yard touchdown run, the longest in program history. Initially ruled short of the end zone, the play was overturned upon review, awarding Horvath the touchdown and leveling the score at 14-14. This electrifying play surpassed the previous record held by Johnny Sai, whose 93-yard touchdown run against Duke in 1963 had stood for six decades, a testament to the significance of Horvath’s achievement. He wasn’t finished, however. Later in the game, Horvath added another touchdown, a 6-yard scamper, giving Navy their first lead of the game at 21-14.
Oklahoma, despite their early dominance, struggled to regain control in the latter stages of the game. While quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. displayed flashes of brilliance, completing 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, and adding 61 rushing yards, the Sooners’ offense sputtered against a resurgent Navy defense. Their final drive culminated in a dramatic 10-yard touchdown pass from Hawkins to tight end Jake Roberts with just seconds remaining, bringing the score to 21-20. Opting for a two-point conversion and the win, Oklahoma’s hopes were dashed when Navy’s defense swarmed Hawkins, sacking him and securing the narrow victory.
The game epitomized the contrasting fortunes of the two programs. Navy’s 10-3 record signaled a triumphant return to prominence, reflecting the team’s resilience, determination, and the emergence of key players like Horvath. Conversely, Oklahoma’s 6-7 record underscored a season of unfulfilled potential, marked by inconsistent performances and ultimately culminating in a disappointing bowl game loss. The Armed Forces Bowl served as a microcosm of these diverging trajectories, with Navy’s hard-fought victory symbolizing their successful season and Oklahoma’s narrow defeat representing their struggles.
