Navy Football: Defense steals show in dominant win over Holy Cross

Navy football opened the season against Holy Cross on Saturday defense stole the show in the process. Some quick thoughts from the opener.

Though the 45-7 score showed a blowout, Holy Cross had some amazing plays during Saturday’s game again Navy in Annapolis.

Last week, I noted that the Mids would be looking to open the offense up against Holy Cross and create more passing opportunities for Malcolm Perry and the receiving corps and the Mids did just that.

Slotback CJ Williams and Myles Fells shined in Navy’s debut vs Holy Cross while quarterback Malcolm Perry eclipsed 100 yards passing.

Navy’s Nelson Smith finished the game with a career-high three touchdowns. The Mids’ only punt came late in the fourth quarter after the coaches had pulled their starters for the day.

Defense stole the show

Navy’s Diego Fagot finished the game with nine tackles in an impressive showing of strength and aggressiveness.

With this season being a make-or-break year for the Mids, a strong start to the season was important. The Mids needed to show that they could create pressure on the quarterback and defend in the secondary.

On the other hand, Holy Cross entered the game looking to expose the defense and attack Navy’s secondary. Pass after pass, Holy Cross hoped to convert a big play down the field but the Mids’ defensive pressure was simply too much.

Holy Cross quarterback Connor Degenhardt entered the fourth quarter 14-for-23 with 143 yards while the backfield entered the fourth with 66 yards rushing. The Mids came prepared.

Can the defense create pressure every game? That’s one question that still looms.

The Mids will face East Carolina on Sept. 14 and this matchup could define the season. East Carolina will be a tougher opponent for the Mids, yet still a beatable one. A win and a 2-0 start would boost confidence in the locker room — a boost the Mids need after last year’s finish.