The 119th match-up between the United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) took place on Saturday, and the Army beat the Navy for the third year in a row.
A view from Air Force One looks down on Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, site of the Army-Navy NCAA College football game. (Joyce N. Boghosian/White House)
The Army Black Knights took the win and the “Commander in Chief” trophy for the third year in a row over the Navy Midshipmen after a final score of 17-10. The Army’s last winning streak took place from 1992 to 1996.
The U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen run a play during the first quarter of the 2018 Army Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 2018. The U.S. Military Academy cadets from West Point won 17-10. (U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann/Department of Defense)
The Army went into the game with a 9-2 season record – its best in 20 years – and second-best rushing offense in the nation with an average of 303 yards, according to the Army.
U.S. Military Academy football players react after a big Army play during the 2018 Army Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 2018. The U.S. Military Academy cadets from West Point won 17-10. (U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann/Department of Defense)
The Navy held a 3-9 season record going into the game and has the third-best rushing offense in the nation with a 288-yard average.
The Navy Midshipmen football team come out onto the field ahead of the 2018 Army Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 2018. The U.S. Military Academy cadets from West Point won 17-10. (U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann/Department of Defense)
The Navy still leads the series overall with a record of 60-52-7 in the now 119 times the two teams have faced off.
Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stands as part of the Navy side to start the 2018 Army Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 2018. The U.S. Military Academy cadets from West Point won 17-10. (U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann/Department of Defense)
However, Army came out strong during Saturday’s game, garnering an 82-yard touchdown upon its first possession, and putting the control of the game in their grasp until the end, CBS Sports reported.
The U.S. Military Academy West Point defensive line prepares for a play during the 119th Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia Dec. 8, 2018. The Army defeated the Navy for the third year in a row. (Spc. Dana Clarke/U.S. Army)
This was further evident in turnovers – Army had none, while Navy had four.
Two interceptions took place in the first half, but two fumbles in the second half spelled disaster for the Navy.
The U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen run the ball during the first quarter of the 2018 Army Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8, 2018. The U.S. Military Academy cadets from West Point won 17-10. (U.S. Army Sgt. James K. McCann/Department of Defense)
Navy’s Garret Lewis fumbled the ball within Army’s 5-yard line, effectively handing the Army a touchdown.
Although the Navy recovered with a touchdown drive and a strong defense that forced Army to punt, it wasn’t enough to recover.
West Point quarterback Kelvin Hopkins, Jr. sets up a pass during the 119th Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8, 2018. The Army defeated the Navy for their third year in a row. (Spc. Dana Clarke/U.S. Army)
The final fumble took place at the hands of Zach Abey, who was also attributed to both interceptions earlier in the game.
West Point running back Darnell Woolfolk avoids a tackle during the 119th Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8, 2018. The Army defeated the Navy for their third year in a row. (Spc. Dana Clarke/U.S. Army)
Quarterback Kell Hopkins was a powerhouse player for the Army, scoring both touchdowns, and amassing 83 rushing yards and 61 passing yards.
West Point defensive back Mike Reyonlds gives a thumbs up to the sideline during the 119th Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8, 2018. The Army defeated the Navy for their third year in a row. (Spc. Dana Clarke/U.S. Army)
The win bumped Army up to 10 wins for the season, marking the first time in Army’s history that it won 10 games in two consecutive seasons – and only the third time ever reaching 10 wins.
West Point football players and head coach, Jeff Monken, pose with the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy during the 119th Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 8, 2018. The Army defeated the Navy for their third year in a row. (Spc. Dana Clarke/U.S. Army)
Army will go on to face the Houston Cougars on Dec. 22, where they will vie for their 11th season win, setting a new all-time win record for the team.
