Navy head coach Brian Newberry didn’t sugarcoat his team’s performance after the Midshipmen edged Army 17-16 in their annual rivalry clash.
The coach acknowledged the mistakes and pressure that define this matchup. He also made it clear the one-point margin wasn’t shocking.
“Wasn’t the prettiest today,” Newberry said. “A lot of mistakes, couple of turnovers, some missed opportunities. But really really proud of our guys for finding a way.”
Army dominated the first half completely. The Black Knights controlled possession and tempo while Navy’s offense couldn’t find any rhythm.
Army scored on all three first-half drives. They limited Navy’s chances and forced early turnovers that nearly decided the game before halftime.
Newberry never saw panic from his players.
“That’s who we are,” he said. “Be in the present. Don’t be attached to the outcome. Move on to the next play.”
That mentality defined the second half. Navy’s defense made adjustments and settled in. They held Army to just three points after intermission.
What had been a methodical first-half attack turned into a grind. Navy tightened its execution and discipline.
“I thought our guys came out in the second half and played really really well and gave us a chance to win the game,” Newberry said.
The game’s defining moment came late. Navy faced fourth down and goal with more than six minutes left.
Newberry chose aggression over caution. He understood the risk of giving the ball back to Army’s ball-control offense.
“The nature of what they do offensively, you may not get the ball back,” he said. “So felt like we had to go right there.”
Navy converted and scored. They protected the lead through a tense one-point finish that captured the rivalry’s unforgiving nature.
The win secured back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in Navy football history.
It’s a milestone built on consistency and belief rather than comfort.
“Regardless of the outcome today, I’m proud as heck of these guys and this group and the season that we’ve had,” Newberry said.
When it was over, Newberry made his position crystal clear about the Commander in Chief’s Trophy.
“We’re keeping it in Annapolis. Where it belongs.”
