Navy quarterback
Blake Horvath has been named the DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week after the latest performance helped the visiting Midshipmen rally for a 32-31 win at Temple this past Saturday.
Horvath, who was the Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Player of the Year last season, threw for 141 yards and one touchdown while rushing 19 times for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
The undefeated Midshipmen (6-0) trailed 31-24 in the final minute and were down to perhaps to final play, facing fourth and 1 from their own 49 yard line. Horvath took the snap, faked a handoff and kept the ball himself, sprinting up the middle untouched for a 51-yard touchdown with 39 seconds left, pulling Navy within 31-30.
Instead of going the safe route and kicking an extra point to force overtime, Navy went for a two-point conversion and the win. Horvath rolled to his right, held the ball until the last possible moment and, just before being tackled, passed to running back
Alex Tecza in the right side of the end zone for the game-winning points.
"I felt like we needed to go for the win right there, didn't really want to go to overtime," Navy Coach
Brian Newberry said. "We knew they were going to call a timeout, most likely, because the formation was a little wacky and they had one to burn. So we had two plays ready to go.
"And having [Horvath] at quarterback, with the ball in his hands and the game's on the line, he's a special player. I wouldn't trade him for anybody in the country. He made it happen. Big time play and big time finish.
"He'd be the first one to tell you he didn't play perfect tonight. We missed some throws and some opportunities. But when the game is on the line, you want the ball in his hands. He never presses. He never flinches. His composure is outstanding."
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