Observations from an Olde Poolie

Navy Football 2008: No. 12 Observations from an Olde Poolie

December 6, 2008. Navy 34 Army 0. Before a crowd of over 69,000,that included President Bush, on a cloudy and cold (Near freezing) day in Philadelphia, Navy out maned, out played , and out-coached the Black Knights from West Point. The Midshipmen played well in all categories but Old Poolie believes the strong play of both the offensive line and the defensive line was the big difference. This was a record seven straight wins over Army and the first shut out since 1978 when Navy won 28 - 0. It was also the second shut-out in a row this season This was an emotional day for the Navy team as senior cornerback Rashawn King' s 48 year old father, a retired Army major, died of a heart attack in Raleigh, NC on Thursday. Major King did not miss home games and was close to many of the Navy players.

Army won the toss and elected to receive. Three and punt. On Navy's third play Shun White took a pitch-out from Kaheaku-Enhada, got some good blocks, and raced 65 yards down the right side line. Navy 7 Army 0 after three minutes. Army drove to Navy's 35 but lost two on fourth and 2. Navy got the ball but the Cadets held and Navy had to punt. A bad snap sailed over punter (Soph,) Kyle Delahooke's head. He chased it down in the end zone then got off a 50 yard punt to midfield where the Army receiver was immediately tackled. Again Navy's defense forced a punt. This time the Midshipmen traveled 78 yards in 6 plays and four minutes with Matt Harmon kicking a 23 yard FG to extend the lead to 10 – 0 with less than three minutes left in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the teams exchanged punts then; Navy started on the 20. QB Kaheaku-Enhada then directed a 11 play, 80 yard drive that ended with a 18 yard pass to White for a TD. Navy 17 Army 0 with 3:18 left in the half.

The Midshipmen began the second half with a 72 yard drive in 14 plays that consumed almost seven minutes. Eric Kettani scored on a 5 yard run. Navy 24 Army 0. Early in the fourth quarter Navy started on the 26, used 13 plays to reach the Army 25 where Harmon kicked his second FG (36 yards) to make it 27 - 0. With less than a minute left in the game LB Ram Vela intercepted an Army pass and raced 68 yards to the end zone. Navy 34 Army 0.

A big win. Kaheaku-Enhada who was not 100% played an excellent game; no turn-overs for Navy. Starting LG senior Gaskins was hurt in the first quarter and Navy's offensive line consisted of one senior, two juniors, and two sophomores. The Midshipmen - in addition to King - had to use back-up defensive players as Buffin and Merchant were also injured in the first half. Nose guard Nate Frazier (Jr.) Had a big day and consistently plugged up the middle.

The Midshipmen controlled the ball for over 34 minutes to Army's 26 minutes. Navy, the nation's rushing leader, had 368 yards on the ground. White had 148 on 13 carries, Kettani 125 on 25 carries. Enhada was 3 - 10 for 62 yards passing. Army was held to a total of 164 yards for the day. Matt Harmon converted on 37 of 39 extra points for the year and was 17 - 19 on field goals.

Next for Navy: The Eagle Bank Bowl at RFK Stadium in Washington at 11:00 am on Saturday December 20. ESPN. Bring your long johns. The opponent has yet to be decided. It is supposed to be from the Atlantic Coast Conference.

2008 Navy Schedule ( 8-4)

Aug. 30 Navy 41 Towson 13

Sept. 5 at Ball State 35 Navy 24.

Sept. 13 at Duke 41 Navy 31.

Sept. 20 Navy 23 Rutgers 21

Sept. 27 Navy 24 at Wake Forest 17

Oct. 4 Navy 33 at Air Force 26

Oct. 18 Pittsburgh 42 Navy 21

Oct. 25 Navy 34 SMU 7

Nov. 1 Navy 33 Temple 27 (ot)

Nov. 15 Notre Dame 27 Navy 21

Nov. 25 Navy 16 at Northern Illinois 0

Dec. 6 Navy 34 Army 0.

Dec. 20 Eagle Bank Bowl. RFK Stadium: 11:00 am ESPN.

GO NAVY BEAT Wake Forest (Maybe ??)