Tales from the Sandbox - Holmes - Military Times

Navy loses early lead, falls to Wake Forest 29-19

By Michael Hoffman

Military Times staff writer

WASHINGTON D.C. - Having already beaten Wake Forest once this year, it looked like Navy would waltz to an easy victory over the Demon Deacons in the inaugural EagleBank Bowl on Saturday at RFK Stadium after senior cornerback Rashawn King scooped up a fumble and sprinted into the end zone putting Navy ahead by 20 in the first half.

However, the touchdown, much like Navy’s lead, only proved temporary as Wake Forest, led by a perfect performance by quarterback Riley Skinner, rallied to beat Navy 29-19 as the Midshipmen finished the season 8-5.

King’s touchdown was called back after the referees reviewed the play and ruled Wake Forest fullback Mike Renfrette’s knee hit the turf before the ball squirted loose. It would have been King’s second touchdown of the afternoon in his first game back since his father, Drexel King, died suddenly two days before the Army-Navy game.

 A Demon Deacon offense that has struggled all season and looked half asleep up to that point seemed to wake up once they got a second chance. Skinner and junior running back Kevin Harris, who ran for 136 yards, led Wake Forest on a 98-yard touchdown drive right before halftime cutting Navy’s lead to 13-7.

Up to that point, Navy had dominated every facet of the game.

“We wanted to jump on them early as we did last time,” said Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo whose team led Wake Forest 17-0 at half in the two team’s first game of the season in which Navy won 24-17.

But like the first game, Wake Forest owned the second half and Skinner, who threw four interceptions in the first game, finished this afternoon without an incompletion on 11 attempts for 166 yards and a touchdown.

He torched Navy’s defense by evading the rush and giving his receivers time to sneak behind Navy’s secondary for multiple long completions.

Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said he thought his defense had a coverage sack on the 44-yard pass Skinner had to wide receiver Chip Brinkman that set up a touchdown pass three plays later to tight end Ben Wooster in the fourth quarter, which put Wake Forest ahead to stay, 22-19.

“He did a good job of keeping the ball alive and scrambling. We had good coverage initially and I thought we had a sack, but then [Brinkman] comes all the way across the field. I give Skinner all the credit in the world,” Green said.

Before Wooster’s touchdown, Navy had wrestled back momentum and the lead after Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada ran in a touchdown from two yards out on third and goal. It was Navy’s first drive after Wake Forest had taken their first lead, 14-13, in the third quarter. The senior quarterback and three-year starter, who finished the day with 85 yards rushing, willed the Midshipmen back when he scampered 35 yards on the drive’s first play.

However, it wasn’t enough.

A fumble by Kaheaku-Enhada on fourth down with 1:51 remaining and Navy trailing by three ended the Midshipmen’s comeback effort. Two plays later, Wake Forest fullback Rich Belton put the Demon Deacons up by ten with a 35-yard touchdown run. Navy fans started heading to RFK Stadium’s exits shortly after.

“We just let it slip out of our fingers,” King said.

Despite the loss, King’s teammates and coaches said how happy they were to see King score a touchdown with his mother sitting in the stands watching.

 “When he scooped up that ball and scored I had to hold back tears. If he would have gotten the second one, oh my gracious,” said Green, who holds a special bond with King and his family since he recruited and coached him.

King, who sat out the Army-Navy game to be with his family in Raleigh, N.C., said he received no pressure from coaches to play in the bowl game, but he knew he would have the strength when his mother traveled to D.C. to see her son play.

Immediately after he scored, King found his mother in the stands where they made eye contact on his way back to the sideline after scoring Navy’s first touchdown of the afternoon.

King makes up a senior class Niumatalolo described as “special” as it’s the third group of Navy seniors who have played in bowl games all four of their years at the Naval Academy.

Standing outside his team’s locker room shaking hands with his players as they walked out to the team bus, Niumatalolo reflected on those seniors and his first year as Navy’s head coach following Paul Johnson who left to coach at Georgia Tech.

“I knew If we just continued to do what we were doing we’d be okay and hopefully be successful so there could be some pride” in the football team throughout the Navy, Niumatalolo said.

Next year he said he is confident Navy’s football program will remain successful despite losing most of its offense to graduation including Kaheaku-Enhada, fullback Eric Kettani and slotback Shun White. However, backup quarterback Ricky Dobbs, who showed the potential to be Navy’s next star during games against Temple and Notre Dame, returns next year as a junior.

“We got some younger guys that can play,” Niumatalolo said. “I feel good about the guys that are coming up.”

Fighting back tears, he said this game didn’t change how he felt about those seniors and how it hurt to watch them take off their pads for the last time before pursuing careers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

“It’s pretty emotional because there is a finality to it,” he said. “Every year after a bowl game it’s pretty emotional in the locker room…We know they’ll be in harm’s way.”

Final: Wake Forest 29 Navy 19

Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner was named the first ever MVP of the EagleBank Bowl as he completed the day with a 100 percent completion rate. The last team to do that in a Division 1 football game was Rice coincidentally against Navy.

Ricky Dobbs makes an appearance

It might be only for a few desperation heaves, but sophomore quarterback Ricky Dobbs checks into the game with Navy trailing by 10 with 47 seconds remaining.

Dobbs has a better arm than Enhada. If anything, Navy fans will get another look at the future of Navy football for the next two years.

The nail in the coffin

Wake Forest scored again with a 35-yard touchdown run. The extra point is on the board, and this game is pretty much in the books. The man with the giant Wake Forest flag is running across the opposite end of the field and there are a lot of orange seats visible now where there used to be Navy fans.

Mid section falls silent

The clock is running down and, with their squad behind, the midshipmen section has gotten pretty quiet, compared to just a few minutes before — Navy fumbled on a fourth down to turn over the ball. I can see people on the other side of RFK starting to file up the stairs and out of the stadium.

Skinner answers: Wake Forest 22 Navy 19

Navy cornerbacks have to stay with their marks because Wake quarterback Riley Skinner continues to find tight ends and wide receivers who sneak behind the coverage for big gains. Skinner found wide receiver Chip Brinkman for a 44 yard completion that stole all the momentum Navy gained on the last possession.

Skinner then hooked up with tight end Ben Wooster for an 8-yard touchdown pass to take the lead. Wake converted on the two-point conversion.

Navy needs to come back with another drive. Lets see if Enhada has any tricks left. Navy coach Niumatalolo won’t bench him, but sophomore backup quarterback Ricky Dobbs led Navy back against Temple and almost against Notre Dame. Just a thought, but again there is no way Enhada gets benched for all the reasons I wrote about earlier. But, Dobbs does have the better arm if it comes down to the end.

Noise-making showdown

The Navy and Wake Forest fans got into a noise-making showdown a moment ago ahead of a big third down that turned over the ball from the Middies to the Deacons. Wake’s fans continue to hold their own in motivational cheers and such; for just a second, RFK was close to ringing the way it used to, long ago.

Wake Celebration CONOPS

Every time Wake Forest scores we see a small blizzard of white, gold and black confetti float down from the seats above the press box. They must have boxes of the stuff up there.

Middies retake lead: Navy 19 Wake Forest 14

Just when it appeared Wake Forest was going to grab a strangle hold on this game, Navy’s defense comes up with a big stop and it’s offense followed it with a clutch touchdown drive. It’s times like these when it pays to have a senior quarterback with as much experience as Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada has built up over three years as Navy’s starter.

Enhada ran for 35 yards on Navy’s first play after Wake’s punt retaking the momentum Navy had lost. He then ran in the touchdown from two  yards out on third and goal to go.

Navy coach Niumatalolo gambled going for the two-point conversion, which failed when a Wake defender broke up a pass to slotback Shun White. Navy might regret not having that extra point.

Third quarter: “HUGE third down stop!”

12:45: Two words some up the genius of the ESPN Halftime show - Wendi Nix.  She’s the new Erin Andrews, except she also has a non-Florida Gator intellect.

Its fun watching Wendi attempt to adjudicate the constant disputes between Desmond Howard and Trevor “how did I get hired by ESPN?” Matich.  Desmond is just running roughshod on Trevor.  Wendi is just sitting there doing what she does best - look good.

Rumor going around Baltimore is that Governor Blagojevich offered Teixeira more money to sign with the Cubs, but the attraction of coming back to Severna Park was just too tempting for Tex.

Kickoff of the 2nd half happening now. Navy’s lost the last two bowls with poor 2nd half performances. Let’s see if they can turn the tide today.

12:55: The momentum shift continues. Two key 3rd down conversions, the Wake marches on. The Navy defense looks tired and shell-shocked.

1:00: Touchdown Wake.  Navy is in a very dangerous spot. No offensive TDs and no drives of any consequence in recent memory.  They need a scoring drive here to stop the bleeding.

1:06: A lot less throwing on this drive.  Tyree Barnes might be throwing a T-O temper tantrum on the sidelines before too long.

1:14: HUGE third down stop deep in Wake territory. Navy’s Defense needed a stop and just got it. The offense should get the ball back with good field position.  End of the third quarter. With the free time between quarters, I have time to think and smile about the Redskins losing to the Bengals last week. (Editor’s note: Unnecessary dig at the proud franchise that is the Washington Redskins.)

Wake pulls ahead: Wake Forest 14 Navy 13

Navy has to be kicking itself for not extending its lead at the beginning of the game when the team dominated the Demon Deacons.

Wake running back Josh Adams just ran in his second touchdown on the day. Skinner connected with fullback Kevin Harris on a 32 yard pass after Skinner extended the play by evading the rush and found Harris who snuck behind his defender. Navy isn’t bringing any blitzes so Navy will have to depend on its defensive line to pressure Skinner.

On their next possession after the touchdown Navy moved the ball to around midfield, but slotback Shun White couldn’t convert a third down and four forcing Navy to punt the ball back to Wake. Luckily for Navy, punter Kyle Delahooke delivered and pinned Wake on it’s own six-yard line. Last week, coach Ken Niumatalolo said Delahooke was a key to the win against Army. High praise for a position that often gets overlooked, but Delahooke is again coming up large.

Navy’s defense now needs to stop Wake and get the ball back for it’s running attack. It might be time for coach Niumatalolo to get sophomore sensation Ricky Dobbs involved at slotback possibly and provide Navy’s offense a spark because it looks like Wake has figured out how to contain White on the wide pitches.

Goats of war

Photo by Amy McCullough. Two important members of the Navy football team huddle on the sidelines to confer about their strategy for dealing with Wake Forest’s offense.

Strategy session

The appearance of the Wake Forest marching band (inexplicably playing “Beat It”) seems like an ideal time to review the game so far and take a look ahead at what we can look for from these teams in the second half. Here’s a transcript of our halftime discussion.

Ewing: Well, Mike, I think things are going great. We’ve got millions of readers out there on the Internet all following along with us as we cover the game.

Hoffman: That is so.

Ewing: What do you think were the high and low points of the first half And what do you think we can still look forward to in this matchup?

Hoffman: Navy has to be confident that they showed they could move the ball at will against a tough Wake defense that features two of the best defenders in the country - Curry and Smith. But they need to finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals, if they are going to keep their lead. Wake finally woke up on that last drive and will look to try and exploit their speed advantage in the second half.

Ewing: How do you think the big Navy crowd turnout today has affected the game?

Hoffman: RFK was once known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, but that’s when the stadium was packed with rabid Redskins fans. Navy definitely has more supporters here, but that’s to be expected with a bigger fan base and a closer proximity to the game. I hope there is plenty of coffee at the concessions stands because the fans looked as sleepy at the beginning of the game as Wake’s team.

Ewing: All right, sir, we’ll let you get back to your blanket-like sports coverage and be looking forward to the updates in the second half.

Hoffman: Roger that. End transmission.

Wake Forest climbs back: Navy 13 Wake Forest 7

An impressive streak by this Navy defense just ended. Wake Forest scored a touchdown, which is the first points Navy has allowed since the fourth quarter against Notre Dame.

Wake Forest started the drive in the shadow of their own end zone at the two yard line. Wake fullback Kevin Harris appeared to have fumbled the football which King scooped up and returned for a touchdown. However, after the officials reviewed the play it was ruled Harris was down before he fumbled.

Wake quarterback Riley Skinner led the previously punchless Wake attack for a 98-yard drive for a touchdown. He hooked up twice with wide receiver D.J. Boldin for large chunks of yardage. Wake tailback Josh Adams then punched in the touchdown from four yards out to make this a game.

If King’s second touchdown of the day would have stood this one would have been over before halftime, but Navy let Wake sneak its way back into it after dominating most of the first half.

Newport observations and half time breakdown

11:51: Wake still running between the tackles and trying to establish the running game. Seems odd. Has Jim Grob lost faith in Riley Skinner’s right arm?

11:56: Now we have established that Matt Harmon is even better than the “Jan Stenarud of today” Sam Swank.  Jim Grobe looks like he would rather be in a Guantanamo maximum security cell.

11:59: Things seem to be getting chippy between the players after tackles. I have to imagine that Navy guys are even winning the smack talk battle. “I took calculus, thermodynamics and electrical engineering this semester, and I still have time to school you guys 13-0.”

12:01: Tyree “Throw me the damn ball” Barnes gets another ball thrown in his direction.  No, not David Tyree….Its Tyree Barnes.

12:06: A very bad INT thrown by Kaipo. Trying to force feed Tyree Barnes. Why?

12:11: Riley Skinner has 7 passing yards. Wow.  That’s only 7 more than I have, and I’m nursing a snow shoveling injury on my couch. 

12:25: Halftime breakdown, which I’m sure will be 10 times more exciting than David Norrie’s breakdown.  Kaipo’s INT at the end of the half was a huge momentum-changer. Instead of going up by three scores, Navy sinds itself holding a tenuous 6-point lead.  Navy needs to shake off the last 98-yd drive from Wake and re-establish the option. Less throwing to Tyree Barnes!  It certainly appears that this game will come down to the very end. 1 turnover or big play might be the deciding factor. Also, everyone wants to know what it will take for Mark Teixeira to sign with the Orioles.  Come home, Mark! Come home.  I hope the ESPN producers are able to find David Norrie a personality during the halftime break.

Navy Cornerback Ketric Buffin injured

Navy senior cornerback Ketric Buffin injured his knee in the first half and will miss the rest of the game. HIs backup is junior Blake Carter.

Fan breakdown

No formal numbers yet on attendance at today’s bowl game — the first official NCAA bowl here in the nation’s capital — but I saw a respectable crowd on my walk around RFK a few minutes ago. Walk-up ticket sales seemed weak when we checked in earlier downstairs; the fans in the house today traveled from Annapolis or North Carolina to be here. I don’t think Navy is technically supposed to have a home-field advantage, but Bancroft Hall is less than an hour away up in Maryland, whereas Wake Forest fans driving up from North Carolina had a trip of more than four hours. An unofficial survey of sweatshirts and jackets seemed to yield more Navy fans than Wake, although the fans made a lot of noise when they did a call-and-response “Wake!” then “Forest” cheer after Alphonso Smith’s interception — which set an ACC record.

Battling the cold

Photo by Amy McCullough. A Navy fan experiments with some unconventional headwear to battle the cold at the EagleBank Bowl in Washington’s RFK Stadium.

Navy needs touchdowns: Midshipmen 13 Wake Forest 0

Navy is dominating Army…I mean Wake Forest at the outset of this game. Not to take a cheap shot at the cadets up north, but this game looks much like the game against Army even with White breaking off a long run on the first drive.

Wake Forest’s option attack is getting bottled up by a stout Navy defensive line the same way Army fullback Colin Mooney struggled to find holes against this continually improving unit.

Navy’s offense keeps marching along as Kaheaku-Enhada and White are torching Wake’s defense on the ends. If Navy could finish these long drives with touchdowns instead of field goals than this game might be over by halftime.

Often times the advantage of a rematch goes to the previous loser, but not today. This first half looks like the last one that was played down in Winston-Salem, N.C. Navy dominated that first  half in that one as well before Kaheaku-Enhada got hurt, but he continues to look strong as Navy continues to roll.

Update: Wake Forest just missed a field go that clanked off the upright keeping Navy’s lead at 20.

The view from the field

Photo by Amy McCullough. U.S. Marines spread the U.S. flag on the field at the EagleBank Bowl before the singing of the national anthem.

Guest Blog from Newport

A liuetenant commander will be guest blogging today for Bill’s Bowl Blog up in Newport, R.I., from United States Naval War College. It’ll be a blog within the blog as this former officer who taught at the Naval Academy will continue a running commentary throughout the game.

10:44 a.m.: We’re coming to you here live from snowy Rhode Island where there is 14 inches of white stuff on the ground.

Here’s the question: Will local residents attending the game be more interested in the Navy-Wake outcome or the “Days of Our Lives” developments in the Mark Teixeira drama?

Wake appears to be the quintessential “tweener” school.  The students aren’t smart enough to get into Villanova Universty….the football players aren’t good enough to go to Maryland.  So they all end up at places like Wake Forest. (Editors note: Schofield attended Villanova on a ROTC scholarship.)

11:03 a.m.: Now starting at quarterback for Wake…in his 17th year of college eligibility….Riley Skinner.  I think Skinner was a freshman when former Redskin quarterback Sammy Baugh was still playing.

11:10 a.m.: Mids strike first blood. I have to imagine its gonna be tough for Wake to maintain the competitive edge for this game.  Plus, the soft yellow jerseys can’t possibly inspire.

11:20 a.m.Please allow me to go on the record saying that Navy needs to permanently retire these uniforms after the season.

Wow…just as I’m mocking the uniforms…the Navy defense makes a statement. Are Ed Reed and Ray Lewis playing for Navy today?

11:20 a.m.: There must be something said at this point about Navy. They are very obviously closing the gap between them and BCS Conference teams. For Navy to beat Wake on the road and come out and dominate like they are today, it sends a message.  A true test will be next September against Ohio State. But for now they are representing well.

11:40 a.m.: Did my wife sprinkle valium into my lunch? Why am I so sleepy?  Oh, I figured it out. Its color commentator David Norrie. Enter Sandman!!  He is the anti-Vitale. Intensely boring.

Rashawn King scores a touchdown: Navy 10 Wake Forest 0

Senior cornerback and one of Navy’s team leaders Rashawn King just returned a fumble by Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith for a touchdown.

King’s father died suddenly the week before the Army-Navy game and returned to his family forcing him to miss the game. It’s great to see him get that 50-yard touchdown return. His teammates mauled him as he returned to the sideline as I’m sure they are happy it was King who picked up the fumble.

It’s odd to see Smith taking that handoff as he’s a cornerback, but he’s the best athlete on the Wake Forest team and it seems coach Jim Grobe wants to get him in the game as much as possible. Smith along with linebacker Aaron Curry are sure to be playing on Sundays soon, but he probably wishes he had that one back.

Coffee Buzz: Navy strikes first

Just like many expected with the early start time, Navy came out focused and ready to go while Wake Forest looks a bit sleepy.

Wake Forest’s first drive with a sack on Riley Skinner as the Demon Deacons continue to strugle on offense.

Meanwhile, Navy slotback Shun White took his first carry over 38 yards down the sideline on a nice pitch by quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. Navy’s drive stalled, but Navy kicker Matt Harmon booted a 40 yard field goal to put Navy up fist by three.

The gladiators appear

Navy and Wake Forest have both made their appearances on the gridiron and — yes — I can see the Demon Deacon riding his famous motorcycle; looks like a tricked-out, fat-back-wheel yellow chopper. I’m surprised he is permitted to ride it accross the grass, but the turf in this yard took worse beatings back in the day from the Redskins’ defense. The coin-toss: Wake Forest wins and will receive the kick. Let’s do this thing!

Return to Thunderdome

The players are warming up on the field. The line of midshipmen is formed in the parking lot out back. We’re all set up here alongside the cream of America’s sporting press. It won’t be long now before we see some football!

If you’ve never been, Washington’s Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium — the venue for today’s game — is one of the most distinctive stadiums in America. Opened in 1961 in Washington’s Southeast neighborhood, it’s a leaky, creaky, battered, stained old war horse of a sports venue; if the fans get going just the right way, the entire place shakes. The elevator up to the press box had old, back-lit plastic buttons and Eisenower-era metal numbers. The stadium was home to the Washington Redskins and the Washington Senators baseball team back in the day, and after baseball returned to the city the Washington Nationals played here for a few seasons. Today’s EagleBank Bowl is the first football game in RFK since 1999.

I can see a line of Marines taking a massive flag onto the field now; the crowd is on its feet. The top rows of seats are still empty, but there were plenty of people lined up from venerable old Stadium/Armory Metro stop, so this crowd looks like it’ll only get bigger.

Big Bowl Blowout Blastoff

What’s up, football fanatics? Are you ready for a day of mud, blood and nonstop, bone-crunching hits? Well, it would be advisable to prepare yourself accordingly, because today is a colorful buffet of college bowl appearances: You got the New Mexico Bowl today at 2:30, pitting 7-5 Fresno State against 6-6 Colorado State; You got 6-6 Memphis takin’ on the South Florida squad at 4:30; and you can’t forget about the august December classic known as the Las Vegas Bowl startin’ at 8, where 10-2 Brigham Young wants to continue its rampage all over 7-5 Arizona’s head. And, oh by the way — as we say in the Pentagon — even as I write this the Naval Academy Midshipmen are getting set for a rematch against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons today at 11. We’ll have total, wall-to-wall coverage here on the blog, skippered by Military Times Senior Sportswriter Mike Hoffman and ably supported by ace shooter Amy McCullough and your humble correspondent. Let’s get to it!

Gameday early bird edition

Good morning Navy fans. It’s early. Someone make some coffee. This 11 a.m. start time is going to play a bigger role in this game than many might think and it might work in Navy’s favor. Most players probably haven’t played a game this early since high school JV.

It’s brisk this morning at 39 degrees, but atleast the rain has stopped as it has come down for the past two days. The weather might not compare to Navy’s last bowl game in San Diego, but it’s the best that can be expected for December in Washington D.C.

Tailgaters have already reached the parking lots with a decent showing by Navy’s fans. More to come once the blog team gets into the stadium.

Eric Kettani invited to All-Star games

Senior fullback Eric Kettani has been invited to the 2009 Senior Bowl on Jan. 24 in Mobile, Ala. and the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 17 in Houston, Texas.

Kettani needs only 68 yards to eclipse the 1,000 yard mark, which his teammate, slotback Shun White has already accomplished this season.

These all-star games are packed with NFL scouts as many middle-round draft picks play in these games. The first round picks tend to bow out and wait for their personal workouts.

It’s just a shame that Kettani will not have a chance to play in the NFL next year after the Defense Department decided academy graduates will have to wait atleast two years before they can play. This came to light after all the attention West Point graduate Caleb Cambpell was drafted by the Lions last year.

Kettani would have a great chance to make an NFL roster and he could bring a lot of positive attention to the Navy. As writer John Feinstein pointed out when he spoke to Navy Times before the Army-Navy game: The two best Navy recruiters ever were NBA star David Robinson and NFL quarterback Roger Staubach. Both graduated from the Naval Academy.

How about ‘Fearsome Friars?’

Just as it may be inexplicable to outsiders that a barnyard animal would be on the sidelines at a Navy football game, so too have I been mystified by Wake Forest’s team name ever since I first heard it earlier today. Accordingly, a mission to Wikipedia was in order, where I learned that Wake Forest’s players originally were the “Fighting Baptists” — which is a pretty terrifying nickname for any committed drinker of booze. After a big win over the Duke Blue Devils in 1923, however, a newspaper reporter wrote that Wake Forest’s players had “fought like demons,” which gave rise to the team’s current name, the Demon Deacons. I also learn from the Inter-Tubes that the mascot, a man wearing a giant foam head, rides onto the athletic field atop a motorcycle, which, I would imagine, yields several rounds’ worth of hearty huzzahs from the students.

Blood Stripe Returns

Navy will again wear the Nike “Enforcer” jerseys this Saturday after they were unveiled two weeks ago at the Army-Nave game. The jerseys feature the traditional blood stripe from the Marine Corps elegant dress uniform pant and the symbols of the Navy and Marine Corps.

After Saturday, though, the jerseys will not be worn again. Navy players will be allowed to keep the jerseys as the team will return to their previous jerseys.

But why kill the jerseys that players and alums, who spoke to me at the Army-Navy game, seem to like? They are flashier, but not over the top like the Army uniforms with the digital camouflage pants and helmet. The blood stripe on the uniform pants is especially classy.

Who’s What What?

What with all the whirlwind changes in blogs and football what-not these days, many of our millions of online readers may’ve found themselves confused about the name change from “America’s Game” to “Bill’s Bowl Blog.” Wake Forest readers especially may not understand whence came this name “Bill,” and as such, permit us to elucidate: Bill the Goat is the long-beloved, occasionally kidnapped mascot of the Naval Academy midshipmen, who has a long tradition of representing Navy football. Back in what’s known as “the day,” sailing ships traveled with live animals, including goats and sheep, to provide fresh meat for the crew members. The young officers in training, known as midshipmen, took care of the animals as their jobs onboard. Thence, down the mists of the ages, Bill became the mascot of the academy and its football-playing men.

Beach Boys say: “Go Navy Beat Wake Forest!”

Well, not really, but it might have gotten your attention. This is a spirit spot that was played at the 2007 Navy vs. Wake Forest game held in Annapolis, Md done by the 26th Co. to this popular Beach Boys tune. Enjoy.

Former Navy Nose Guard: “We have the upper hand”

Firstie Derik Rothchild (#94) served four years as an enlisted sailor before getting accepted to the Naval Academy and joining the football team. He played nose guard through his junior year. This year you can find Rothchild with his signature mullet wig on the sideline firing up fellow midshipmen.

Still close to a lot of Navy’s players, Rotchild took a few minutes to break down the rematch with Wake Forest on Saturday.

Bill’s Bowl Blog: Who has the edge in the rematch?

Derik: “Really, I think we have the upper hand due to the fact we already beat them earlier in the year. But, we did have a lot of turnovers go our way. So either Wake is going to think: ‘Oh no, not this again, or if we just hold onto the ball we can beat these guys.”

“I have a lot of faith in our defense too. It’s a hard hitting defense and I love how they are playing right now.” (Editors note: Navy’s defense has shut out their last two opponents so that might be a bit of an understatement at how well they are playing.)

“With Kaipo back that really helps to. He’s healthy again, and with him leading the triple option we’re really running well. It also allows Jarod Bryant to go back to slot back and he’s got wheels.” (Editors note: With quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada running the team before he got injured and didn’t play in the second half against Wake Forest, Navy led 17-0 at halftime.)

Bill’s Bowl Blog: How does the team feel about playing Wake again?

Derik: “Since it’s a local venue at RFK I know a lot of people were gunning to play Maryland, but they turned it down because they have finals, which I don’t buy because our guys had finals this week too and we can somehow play.  I know some guys wanted to play a MAC team. I was hoping to play Miami, but no on really wanted the rematch.”

Bill’s Bowl Blog: Who has the advantage with the early kickoff time of 11 a.m.?

Derik: “The advantage will definitely go to us on that end. Knowing the Navy schedule, we practice early in the mornings on Saturday. I bet most of the Wake players don’t have classes that start some days until 1 p.m. We are up at 7 a.m. every morning so we’re used to it. We’ll finish the game and then go eat lunch. It’ll be normal.”

Bill’s Bowl Blog: You played in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, do you think some guys were disappointed to stay in the local area?

Derik: “From a players standpoint they don’t care. They don’t have that much free time with the game and everything else. I think most of the grouchiness came from the student body because they wanted to go somewhere nice. About a quarter of the student body will still go to the bowl game. Most students finished finals by Thursday so they went home after that and not many will want to just come back here.”

Bill’s Bowl Blog: How has the team responded to new coach Ken Niumatalolo?

Derik: “I think it’s working fairly well. He’s definitely different than coach [Paul] Johnson. Everyone responds differently though. Everyone likes coach Niumat (sic) like when he was the offensive coordinator. I think you could call him a player’s coach, but there are always times the nicest coaches, if you do something wrong, will make you feel the pain.”

The Blog is Back!

Who knows if anyone is reading considering Navy Times isn’t exactly THE destination for sports news, but myself (Michael Hoffman) and Phil Ewing will be cranking the football blog back up to cover Navy’s trip to the inaugural EagleBank Bowl to play Wake Forest.

Both of us will be attending the game tomorrow at RFK stadium in Washington D.C. bright and early at 11 a.m. We plan to blog through the game for all those sailors who might have ESPN blocked on their work computers but hopefully not Navy Times’ site.

For the rest of the day we’ll be breaking down the rematch against Wake Forest including insight from former nose guard Derik Rothchild.

March On Video

One of the most cherished traditions of the Army-Navy game is the march on of both academy’s midshipmen and cadets three hours before kickoff.

As John Feinstein wrote in his book “A Civil War: A Year Inside College Football’s Purest Rivalry” it’s the only game when traffic is the worst three hours before the game.

Navy wins seventh in a row blanking Army 34-0

Army again failed to have any answers for Navy’s option offense that featured two rushers who eclipsed the 100-yard mark and helped Navy march to is seventh straight victory over Army and sixth straight Commander-in-Chiefs trophy in the 109^th meeting between the service rivals.

Questions remained if Navy could continue to dominate Army after coach Paul Johnson, who revived the program in 2002, left for Georgia Tech last year. Earning a bowl bid, winning eight games and most importantly beating Army 34-0, first year head coach Ken Niumatalolo, a former assistant under Johnson, has resoundingly answered those questions.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our seniors. To play our rivals and shut them out, play the way we did in the most important game of the year and get a convincing win. It’s a great tribute to the seniors,” he said.

Navy’s defense, which is often overshadowed by its option offense, blanked the Black Knights in the most lopsided victory between the two academies since 1973 when Navy beat Army 51-0.

It was Navy’s punter, though, who played a large role in conserving the shutout midway through the first quarter after he watched the snap sail over his head and into Navy’s end zone.

Niumatalolo screamed from the sidelines for sophomore punter Kyle Delahooke to take the saftey. Delahooke didn’t listen. He calmly picked up the football and booted the ball to midfield with two Army players bearing down on him.

“I am yelling at him to take a safety, run out of bounds, don’t give up a touchdown, but the kid had enough composure to get the ball, to turn around and see he had time, and get it off,” Niumatalolo said. “I think that was the turning point of the game.”

Like it did all game, Army’s offense stalled on the next possession and punted back to a Navy team who had its starting senior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada back from a hamstring injury he has fought all year.

Sophomore Ricky Dobbs and senior captain Jarod Bryant had played well in his stead leading the team to two victories and almost a third over Notre Dame, but coaches decided on Thursday to start Kaheaku-Enhada when they saw he was healthy.

“Ricky has been playing great but there is an experience factor that Kaipo brings that you can’t coach. Kaipo has been through big games,” Niumatalolo said.

Kaheaku-Enhada orchestrated an offense that out gained Army with 430 total yards to the Black Knights 154. He threw for one touchdown and ran for 43-yards, but it was the way he read Army’s defense and knew when to stick it in fullback Eric Kettani’s gut or pitch to slotback Shun White that left Army chasing Navy ballcarriers all afternoon.

“Playing in this offense [Kaheaku-Enhada] knows what changes to make and knows how to read the defense. Not to take away anything from the other two guys, but I think he’s more fit for this offense,” White said.

White, who ran for 148 yards, broke out early scoring first for Navy on their first possession on a 65-yard touchdown run.

“Coming into the game coach wanted me to bust a long run. I told him if you give me the ball I’ll probably take one to the house,” he said. “I think it was a very important play because it got the offense going and from that point on it was like a steamroll.”

Niumatalolo said White’s run settled the team down after the pre-game ceremonies rife with pageantry that included flyovers by Air Force One, Navy FA-18 fighter jets, AH-64 Apaches helicopters and UH-1 Huey helicopters. The Army Golden Knight and Navy Leap Frog jump teams also landed on the field before kickoff.

President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates were in attendance at the sold out Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia sitting on Army’s side first before the traditional crossing of the field at halftime to sit with Navy leaders.

Navy’s team played with heavy hearts despite the win after learning senior cornerback Rashawn King’s father, Drexel, died suddenly from a heart attack Thursday night at the family’s home in Raleigh, N.C. King returned to Raleigh to be with his family and didn’t play Saturday.

King’s father was close to many of the players often hosting tailgates after the team’s home games. Navy wore a black sticker with his initials D.K. on the back of their helmets.

“Drexel was a father figure to many players on our team,” Niumatalolo said. “His passing was more than just the passing of a player’s parent. A lot of guys knew him.”

Army entered the game confident they could end their losing streak to Navy as they played better in the second half of the season winning three of their last six.

Senior fullback Collin Mooney and sophomore quarterback Chip Bowden looked more comfortable in the option offense Army adopted this year, but Navy’s interior defense stuffed Mooney up the middle and appeared to confuse Bowden who ran for six yards on 14 carries.

Mooney was limited to 54 yards, but did set the Army single season rushing record with a one-yard run on the game’s final play surpassing former running back Mike Mayweather with 1,339 yards.

Meanwhile, Navy fullback Eric Kettani busted runs through the middle of Army’s porous defense totaling 125 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown.

Army coach Stan Brock, who switched to the option offense this year opposed to Army’s previous pro-style throwing offense, said the game against Navy would be a barometer for his team’s progress earlier this week.

But, after the game he said he didn’t think the difference between his team and Navy’s was 34 points. During the press conference he also hinted at the fact his job might be in jeopardy.

“I don’t think you can base our season and our growth on one football game. I don’t think the distance between the two academies is 34 points. We stick with the plan and hopefully I’m allowed to stick with the plan,” Brock said.

Meanwhile, Navy’s football program continues to ride its recent wave of success as it prepares to play in the EagleBank Bowl Game on Dec. 20 in Washington D.C. and White said the team is looking forward to its trip to the White House to accept the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy for the sixth straight year.

“Going to the White House is always a good thing for our team. We’re kind of making it our tradition now…hopefully after I leave they will visit again,” White said with a wide smile.

New “Enforcer” Jerseys

Both teams unveiled new Nike “Enforcer” jerseys with Army featuring camouflage pants and helmets with black tops and “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY” written on their backs.

Navy’s uniform pants emulated the Marine Corps Elegant Dress Pants with anchors on their shoulders. Navy’s helmets remained gold.

White said he liked the new jerseys although they were a bit tight and he struggled to turn his head at first.

Kettani jokingly said Army’s new uniforms helped them blend into the field and he wasn’t a fan of their new helmets.

“I couldn’t see them really; they’re camouflaged,” Kettani said. “One guy caught me, it was like, ‘What’s going on?’ It freaked me out. Their helmets were kind of gross.”

Navy sweeps Army

Navy midshipmen celebrate after their victory over Army.

Photos by Jason Watkins

Blowouts hurting rivalry

Army Navy games have traditionally been close. That is until former coach Paul Johnston showed up to restore Navy’s football program in 2002. Since then, Navy has won by an average of 28 points, and they are right on track this afternoon up 27 with four minutes to play.

As John Feinstein said two weeks ago when he sat down with the blog, “it’s just not Army Navy if the game isn’t close.” I just walked through the cadet corps and the disappointment of another loss is written on their faces. A third straight West Point senior class will graduate without seeing Army beat Navy with this loss.

Sweep?

Jason Watkins/staff

Halftime: Navy 17 Army 0

Navy running back Shun White has already run for 120 yards as Navy continues to gash Army’s defense with its option attack. Overheard in the press box one writer already say “Well we don’t have to worry about who the MVP is.” That came after White caught an 18 yard touchdown pass to put Navy up 17-0.

Army again had great field position after kick returner Patrick Mealy ran Navy’s kickoff back 63 yards to the Navy 27. Army’s offense again couldn’t move the ball and didn’t score after a fake field goal failed.

If Army is going to have any chance to come back in the second half senior fullback Collin Mooney will need to get on track because he’s only rushed for 15 yards thus far. He’s run for 1,285 yards this season.

Cadets in camo caps

Jason Watkins/staff

End of first quarter: Navy 10 Army 0

Navy punter Kyle Delahooke made the play of the game thus far after the long snapper launch the snap over his head into Navy’s endzone. Instead of panicking, he calmly picked up the ball with two Army players bearing down and launched a punt to midfield. Army punter returner Josh Jones, shocked Delahooke got the punt off, tracked back to receive the kick and was immediately tackled eliminating a golden opportunity for Army to tie the game.

Army running back Ian Smith ripped off two decent runs, but other than that Navy’s defense has stifled Army’s rushing attack.

Navy has been able to move the ball led by quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada who returned from injury and started in place of sophomore quarterback Ricky Dobbs.  Navy drove the ball inside Army’s 10, but had to settle for a field goal after Army’s defense stiffened and kept the cadets in the game. This could have gotten ugly if Army would have fallen behind two touchdowns early, but Army quarterback Chip Bowden is going to need to get his offense to move the ball or this could be another blowout.

Navy strikes first: Navy 7 Army 0

This is the last thing Army needed. Navy slotback Shun White just sprinted to the outside for a 65-yard touchdown on Navy’s opening drive. Meanwhile, Army got stuffed managing only a couple yards before having to punt.

Considering Navy’s run of  dominance, Army’s confidence had to be shaky to start off with and the ease Navy showed scoring couldn’t’ have helped.

Camouflage helmets make appearance

The Army team warmed up wearing their traditional gold helmets, but the Army team captains have just run onto the field donning camouflage helmets to match their camouflage pants. “Duty, honor, and country is written on the back of the jerseys where most football jerseys have the player’s name.

The corps of cadets are also sporting camouflage baseball caps to match their team.

Have to say the camouflage pattern looks better on the helmets than I thought, but the “duty, honor, country” on their backs is a bit of the top and makes them look like a walking recruiting billboard. What do you think?

Jason Watkins/staff

Navy suffers family death

Senior cornerback Rashawn King’s father, Drexel King, died suddenly Thursday night from a heart attack in the family’s home in Raleigh, N.C. King, who started every game this season, returned to Raleigh to be with his family and will not play today. Junior Darious Terry will make his third-career start in King’s place. To honor King’s father the Navy team will wear a sticker with his father’s initials DK inside of a black crown on their helmets.

Game balls have arrived

Two game balls are traditionally run relay style from each academy by foot to the site of the game in a relay. The cadets left Thursday while the midshipmen left yesterday afternoon to ensure they could arrive on time.

The cadets ran approximately 144 miles while the midshipmen ran approximately 123 miles.

Air Force One Flyover

President Bush is in Philadelphia. Air Force One flew over Lincoln Financial Field twice during the march on before landing at Philadelphia International Airport. President Bush is now walking over to the cadets and midshipmen where he is getting a stand ovation from both student bodies.

Photo by Jason K. Watkins

Army QB Chip Bowden looks good in warmups

Army sophomore quarterback Chip Bowden looked good running out of the tunnel and warming up with the team. He was testing the ankle he turned Monday at practice that forced him to miss Tuesday’s practice. He looks strong making cuts and pitching the ball in warm-ups.

Army digital pants

Army’s team just ran out onto the field with their new Nike “enforcer uniforms that feature digital camouflage pants. The rumors about camouflage helmets to go along with the pants turned out to be untrue. Army stuck to the gold helmets.

Walking into the game today and talking to some alums about the potential change to cammie pants, there was mostly a negative sentiment about it.

Photo by Jason Watkins

CBS will broadcast online for FREE

CBS Sports will be broadcasting the game tomorrow online for free. Users usually have to pay a fee, but CBS to bring the Army-Navy “to fans and servicemen and women around the globe who can’t get to a physical TV or can’t get CBS overseas,” according to a CBS press release.

The direct link to the game is: http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=cs&media=93348.

You can also find the game by going to CBS Sportsline’s website and looking for the Army-Navy link under “Featured Programming down the far right side.

Warning: To watch the game your computer must have Microsoft Sliverlight loaded onto it. It’s easy to download and free as well unless of course you’re on a government computer where downloading anything is a headache.