[2023] Billy Goat Blog - Week 3 Post Game: Air Force Annihilation

[SyndaKyt]

ANNAPOLIS, MD

June 2023

Week 3 Post Game

I'm afraid the Air Force Falcons had their wings clipped. The stadium was rocking and jumping after the triple zeroes were on the clock in the fourth quarter. There is a certain cautious optimism in the air of Annapolis. Obviously you have the ultimate fanatics and insane homers that believe Navy could end up being a top ten team in the country but the Midshipmen are nowhere near that point now. However, the people who weren't paying attention are starting to tune in and the fans who have stuck by this team feel some fulfillment. One thing is a clear difference from the previous years; there seems to be defined objectives to achieve and there is a game by game mentality each week. You cannot overlook the opponents in front of you as each week resets the record to 0-0. So far, Navy has held that close to their hearts, boasting a 2-1 record through the first quarter of the season.

Diving into the Air Force game on its own, the Midshipmen were feeling motivated after a walloping by the hands of an annual rival, Notre Dame. The plan was fairly simple and it was properly executed: Don't let Ogbah get hot and limit their premier target, Harlan Smith. One thing that will be consistent across every game for Navy will be a defensive mindset and controlling the ball, moving it efficiently. They seemed to do this, winning convincingly 28-7. One win down for the CIC trophy, Army is the only team standing in the way of it and Navy would not want it any other way! They scored a touchdown every quarter and limited the Falcons to under double digit points. The defense was the story, forcing three interceptions and two sacks. As for the offense, the run game continues to chug forward as they amassed nearly 250 yards on the ground.  Coach SyndaKyt remarks about a football proverb his high school coach and mentor gave to him. " He told my varsity team that if we found ourselves in the opponent's endzone at least one time a quarter, you will not lose many football games. We accomplished that this week and it is a point I try to drive home every practice or walkthrough we have. " This clearly must be working as they are averaging 30 PPG through the first three games. There were very few complaints on the Navy side, but as always the goal is to find improvement, even if it's small.

 

The player of the game would have to be Tevaun West, rushing for 205 yards, averaging 7.88 yards a carry with all 4 TDs for his team. He gives credit to his lineman who helped open up paths and deliver him over the pylon multiple times. It is worth noting that OG Jason Seamster is currently leading the country in pancakes, showing his impact as a bulldozer in the run game. However, when asking the staff and fans alike, the players that stepped up were DBs Fred Barett and Tyler Bundy. They were tasked with the toughest assignment, having to guard Air Force's prolific receivers. "Fred and Tyler basically ended drives by themselves, either setting us up with field position inside the redzone or snuffing out a drive where they were getting chunk yards down the field. I'm proud of these dudes and might buy them a bottle of their favorite drink at the end of the season," SyndaKyt joked. A player that was in a bit more of a somber mood was freshman Kyung Hui. He was glad to get the win but feels and knows he can play better. He was missing a few routine throws and would beat himself up over it. The coaches know how much of an undertaking it is for him, so the goal is to try to simplify it as much as possible. It could be something to monitor, especially if they want to contend for the top of the conference.

 

The first recruit will commit this week, starting off an eventful recruiting cycle. Navy lost out on big fish Michael Harris to conference favorite, Tulsa. After visiting during this win, OG Ernesto Rosales was sold on the program. Annapolis is a nice environment for him and fits his personality as a student. The quiet big man is hailing only a short drive up from Cinnaminson, New Jersey. He is a 4-star B/B+ overall and potential who is apt in the run and pass game as a balanced blocker. Protecting the backfield assets are the priority for this team as they wait for more recruits to sign. All in all, the future is looking bright for this program.