WEST POINT, N.Y. — Army West Point sprint football mounted a dramatic late-game comeback to force overtime, but ultimately fell 20-17 to undefeated rival Navy on Saturday afternoon at Shea Stadium in the Star Match, part of the Star Series presented by USAA.
The Black Knights (7-1) erased a 17-7 fourth-quarter deficit with 10 unanswered points, including quarterback Kyle West’s 2-yard touchdown run with 2:13 remaining in regulation. However, Navy’s Jacori Sutton delivered the decisive blow in overtime, drilling a 36-yard field goal after Army’s offense stalled on their possession.
The loss snapped the Army’s seven-game winning streak and handed the Midshipmen (8-0) their ninth consecutive victory of the season in front of 1,139 fans.
West Leads Valiant Comeback Effort
Trailing 17-7 with just over 11 minutes remaining, Army quarterback Kyle West orchestrated two scoring drives to bring the Black Knights back from the brink. West first led a nine-play, 61-yard march that culminated in a 24-yard Nicholas Cueto field goal at the 7:30 mark of the fourth quarter, cutting Navy’s lead to 17-10.
With time running out, West delivered his finest moment of the afternoon. The junior signal-caller capped an eight-play, 69-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown plunge with 2:13 left on the clock. Cueto’s extra point tied the game at 17-17, sending the contest to overtime and igniting the home crowd.
West finished 13-of-34 passing for 174 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He added 14 rushing yards and the game-tying score on the ground, displaying the dual-threat ability that has defined Army’s offense this season.
Navy Builds Early Lead
The Midshipmen controlled the game’s tempo from the opening kickoff, building a 14-0 lead through the first half behind the efficient play of quarterback Luke O’Conn. The Navy signal-caller connected with Jake Berger for a 28-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, though Sutton’s extra point attempt failed, leaving Navy ahead 6-0.
Navy extended its advantage to 14-0 early in the second quarter when O’Conn found Biamungu Nkere for another 28-yard touchdown strike. The Midshipmen converted the two-point conversion on an Ibi Denson reception, capping a quick four-play, 84-yard drive that took just 1:50 off the clock.
Army responded before halftime, as West connected with Marek Arbogast for a 37-yard touchdown pass at the 6:41 mark of the second quarter. The 12-play, 76-yard drive cut Navy’s lead to 14-7 heading into the intermission and gave the Black Knights momentum.
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Third Quarter: Defensive Standoff
The third quarter featured a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to sustain offensive drives. Army’s defense came up with a crucial turnover when Drew Waldron intercepted Luke O’Conn at the Army 16-yard line with 6:13 remaining in the quarter, halting a lengthy 11-play Navy drive that had reached the Army 27.
However, Army’s offense couldn’t capitalize on the turnover, going three-and-out and losing six yards on the ensuing possession. Navy methodically drove down the field to close the quarter, setting up a field goal attempt that would extend their lead early in the fourth.
Navy added a 21-yard Sutton field goal at 11:02 in the fourth quarter to push their lead to 17-7, capping an 11-play, 39-yard drive that consumed 8:50 off the clock and spanned the third and fourth quarters.
Fourth Quarter: Army’s Dramatic Comeback
Facing a 10-point deficit with just over 11 minutes remaining, Army’s offense finally found its rhythm. West connected with Carson McFadden for a crucial 35-yard completion to the Navy 21-yard line, jumpstarting the Black Knights’ comeback bid. After advancing to the Navy 7-yard line, Cueto converted a 24-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 17-10 with 7:30 remaining.
Army’s defense responded with another critical stop, forcing a three-and-out that included Jake Oxendine’s second sack of the game. The Black Knights took over at their own 31-yard line with 4:50 remaining and marched 69 yards in eight plays.
The game-tying drive featured a spectacular 41-yard catch by Parker Williams on third-and-8 from the Army 33, moving the ball to the Navy 26. A Navy face mask penalty on the next play gave Army first-and-goal at the Navy 10. West then completed a 6-yard pass to Williams before scrambling for the game-tying 2-yard touchdown with 2:13 left.
Navy had one final chance in regulation but couldn’t move the ball, punting back to Army with just three seconds remaining. The game headed to overtime, tied at 17-17.
Overtime Heartbreak
In the overtime period, Army received the ball first at the Navy 25-yard line but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. JP Ross gained two yards on first down, and West added one yard on second down before being sacked for a five-yard loss by Tyler Meisenzah on third down.
Facing a 45-yard field goal attempt, Cueto’s kick sailed wide left, giving Navy the chance to win with any score.
The Midshipmen took over at the Army 25 and methodically moved the ball. Hunter Gennicks gained three yards on first down before losing one yard on second down. O’Conn then completed a 4-yard pass to Grant Sterchi, setting up fourth-and-4 at the Army 19.
Sutton, who had already connected on a 21-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, stepped up under pressure and delivered. His 36-yard kick sailed through the uprights, sealing Navy’s 20-17 victory and preserving the Midshipmen’s undefeated season.
Arbogast and McFadden Provide Offensive Spark
West’s top target throughout the afternoon was wide receiver Carson McFadden, who hauled in five receptions for 68 yards. McFadden consistently moved the chains on critical third-down conversions and provided a reliable option in Army’s passing attack, including the pivotal 35-yard catch in the fourth quarter.
Arbogast delivered the game’s most explosive play, catching West’s 37-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Parker Williams also came up big in the fourth quarter with two crucial receptions totaling 47 yards, including the 41-yard grab that set up Army’s game-tying drive.
Army’s ground game struggled to gain traction outside of West’s contributions, totaling just 43 net rushing yards on 25 attempts. Running back JP Ross carried the ball eight times for 13 yards, while Gabriel Bolivar added nine yards on five attempts.
Defensive Effort Led by Oxendine
Despite the loss, Army’s defense delivered a gritty performance against Navy’s potent offense. Linebacker Jake Oxendine paced the Black Knights with 11 tackles, including two tackles for loss and two sacks. The seniors’ relentless pursuit and physical play kept Army within striking distance throughout the contest.
Mason Beriault and Louis Petkus each contributed nine tackles, providing steady support in the middle of Army’s defense. Defensive back Drew Waldron recorded a crucial third-quarter interception that gave Army a chance to shift momentum.
Navy outgained Army 271-225 in total offense and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 52:21 compared to Army’s 37:33. The Midshipmen’s ball control limited Army’s offensive opportunities and kept the Black Knights’ defense on the field for extended stretches.
Statistical Breakdown
- Total Offense: Navy 271, Army 225
- Time of Possession: Navy 52:21, Army 37:33
- Third Down Conversions: Army 4-15, Navy 6-14
- Fourth Down Conversions: Army 2-2, Navy 3-5
- Red Zone Efficiency: Army 2-2, Navy 2-3
- Turnovers: Army 2 (2 INT), Navy 0
Scoring Summary
- 1st Quarter 4:15 — Jake Berger 28-yard pass from Luke O’Conn (kick failed)7 plays, 47 yards, 4:18 Navy 6, Army 0
- 2nd Quarter 14:44 — Biamungu Nkere 28-yard pass from Luke O’Conn (Ibi Denson pass)4 plays, 84 yards, 1:50 Navy 14, Army 0
- 6:41 — Marek Arbogast 37-yard pass from Kyle West (Nicholas Cueto kick)12 plays, 76 yards, 5:32 Navy 14, Army 7
- 4th Quarter 11:02 — Jacori Sutton 21-yard field goal 11 plays, 39 yards, 8:50 Navy 17, Army 7
- 7:30 — Nicholas Cueto 24-yard field goal 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:26 Navy 17, Army 10
- 2:13 — Kyle West 2-yard run (Nicholas Cueto kick) 8 plays, 69 yards, 2:37 Navy 17, Army 17
- Overtime 0:00 — Jacori Sutton 36-yard field goal 3 plays, 6 yards Navy 20, Army 17
Key Performers
Army West Point:
- Kyle West (QB): 13-34 passing, 174 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT; 14 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
- Carson McFadden (WR): 5 receptions, 68 yards
- Parker Williams (WR): 3 receptions, 52 yards (including 41-yard catch)
- Marek Arbogast (WR): 37-yard TD reception
- Jake Oxendine (LB): 11 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks
- Mason Beriault (LB): 9 tackles
- Drew Waldron (DB): 1 interception
- Nicholas Cueto (K): 1-2 FG (24 yards), 2-2 XP
Navy:
- Luke O’Conn (QB): 2 TD passes
- Jacori Sutton (K): 2-2 FG (21, 36 yards), game-winning kick in OT
- Jake Berger (WR): 28-yard TD reception
- Hunter Gennicks (RB): 59-yard run, key rushing performance
Looking Ahead
Army (7-1) will look to rebound from the heartbreaking loss as the sprint football season ends with a devastating loss. The Black Knights have demonstrated resilience and competitiveness throughout the campaign, and Saturday’s comeback effort showcased the team’s fighting spirit despite the disappointing result.
Navy (8-0) remains undefeated and continues to establish itself as the team to beat in sprint football. The Midshipmen’s ability to withstand Army’s late surge and deliver in overtime demonstrates the championship pedigree that has defined their season.
For Army, the loss serves as a reminder of how thin the margins are in rivalry games. The Black Knights were one possession away from victory, and their performance—particularly in the fourth quarter—provides a foundation to build upon moving forward.
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Game Information:
- Date: November 15, 2025
- Location: Shea Stadium, West Point, N.Y.
- Attendance: 1,139
- Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM
- Duration: 2:50
- Temperature: 45°F
- Officials: Referee: Kevin Palek; Umpire: Michael Nieglos; Linesman: Jonathan Perez; Line Judge: Jonathan Perez; Field Judge: Ty Christman; Side Judge: Kennedy McFadye; Back Judge: Brian Gogerty
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