The Navy Midshipmen faced off against the Army Black Knights right outside of Boston, Massachusetts, on December 9, 2023, in front of a crowd of 65,878 roaring fans and far more watching on televised broadcasts. It was “America’s Game,” aptly played just one week before the 250th celebration of the Boston Tea Party. It was the first time in their history the two teams met at the Patriots’ Gillette Stadium, and it was a game that lived up to the anticipation.
With an overall Army-Navy game score of 62-55-7, Navy currently maintains the lead in this long-standing football rivalry. In the game this past Saturday, they showed some exceptional speed and agility in a battle that literally came down to the very last play. But was it enough to capture the win?
Related: The Army-Navy Football Game: Who is Winning?
The 2023 Army-Navy Football Game Recap
It’s easily one of the biggest games in college football each year, and this year was no exception. The two teams fought until the absolute end. Here’s how it played out: Army took the lead early in the second quarter, with a four yard touchdown by TE/RB Tyson Riley and a field goal by kicker Quinn Maretzki. Then right before halftime, Maretzki also completed a 47-yard field goal to put three more points on the board. Heading into the half time break, it was Army 10, Navy 0.
Navy came out fired up for the second half, and in the fourth quarter, Navy QB Tai Lavatai picked up some serious yards to put Navy’s kicker Nathan Kirkwood within 37 yards of the field goal, which he successfully completed to put three points on the Navy scoreboard, now a 10-3 game. In another big play, Army’s LB Kalib Fortner recovered the ball from Lavatai to score again and bring the total to Army 17, Navy 3. Then, with just three minutes left in the game, Navy returned the favor, with a touchdown pass from Lavatai to WR Jayden Umbarger, bringing the Midshipmen to 9 points, after a failed two-point conversion attempt. Army 17, Navy 9.
With only 22 seconds in the game, Navy made it to the six yard line. Tai passed to FB Alex Tecza to get them to the two yard line with just fifteen seconds remaining. Then on the fourth down, Navy went for a QB sneak attempt, and in the huge pileup that ensued, the referees rushed over to see if Tai had crossed the goal line. But alas, they determined he did not. Army regained control with three seconds on the literal one foot line, taking a safety to end the battle. And that, unfortunately, was the game, with the Army-Navy game score standing at 17-11 and Army in possession of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Related: The History of the N*: An Epic Rivalry that Rolls On.
Who Has the Overall Win?
Still, with all the team spirit and excitement, nothing could dampen the pride of Navy. They are to be commended for their tireless work in a strong showing at Gillette that was broadcast across the world. And while they may have given up a win to Army this year, you can be sure they’ll be ready to win next year.
In the meantime, the Navy-Army rivalry continues, as other Navy varsity and club sports go head-to-head with Army throughout the year. The complete varsity tally currently stands at 1,167-884-45, with Navy maintaining a large lead (a .568 record). On the Yard, you can find the N* flag not far from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, flying high over the iconic statue of Bill the Goat. Every time it's raised, Navy is celebrating another win over Army.
A History of the Army-Navy Game: A Rivalry that Rivals Them All
The football rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense in the country. Starting in 1890, it has drawn the two service branches together almost every year since then, with ten breaks in the action ( the advent of World War I and several other incidents). At the games, Navy engages in a number of great traditions. There’s the heart-pounding “March On” tradition when the entire Brigade and Corps of Cadets march onto the field in perfect formation, evoking a rousing pride. There’s also the heart-stopping Navy jet flyover to start the game. And together with their counterparts, the Navy Leap Frogs and Army Black Knights descend by parachute for a dramatic entrance together.
While the fighting on the field is unforgiving, the two military branches unequivocally support each other, constantly preparing to support each other on greater battlefields. At the game, they also engage in the prisoner exchange, releasing the “prisoners” who have been attending the rival academy in the fall semester. It’s a fun kick-off and a reminder they share a common goal.
Related: The Army-Navy Game: A Battle for the Ball—and Bragging Rights.
Go Navy! Beat Army!
While the results this time weren’t the outcome we hoped for, it was a vigorous fight to the bitter end, and a remarkable show of strength. We look forward to the next match between the two rivals, and congratulate both teams on their hard work and dedication to their programs and to their academies. It makes our country proud to see how well these young football players have performed.
Do you want to get in on the action? Navyoline.com has everything you need to support all the Navy teams, and we have no end of “Go Navy Beat Army” gear. Suit up with a USNA Army-Navy 2023 football jersey, made especially for the 2023 game and honoring the Silent Service, the U.S. Submarine Force, its families and supporting personnel. Or pick up a fleece, beanie or more to support the team. Your purchases, USNA tours and Yard dining directly help the Brigade because they provide funds for the midshipmen’s extracurricular activities like cultural arts, music, theater, club sports and more. Go Navy Beat Army! Until next time….
