Lightweights drop out of race with 20-0 loss

Penn went into last Saturday's game against Navy with hopes of a victory and a possible share of the Eastern Lightweight Football League title. However, the powerful Navy team decisively eliminated the Quakers from contention with a 20-0 triumph at Franklin Field. The game was much closer than the score indicated. While Navy (5-0, 3-0 ELFL) was able to get on the board late in the first quarter, the Quakers defense continued its impressive play from earlier in the season and kept Penn in the game. Trailing 7-0 at halftime the Quakers were within striking distance. Neither the icy cold wind nor the imposing Midshipmen dampened the Quakers' spirit. Unfortunately for Penn (2-3, 1-2) Navy came out on fire to start the third quarter. With a dominating four-minute drive in which they ran nine plays, the Midshipmen increased their lead to 14-0. Penn's offense played with intensity, but the powerful Navy defensive line was simply too much for the Quakers. Consistently penetrating the Quakers' neutral zone, the Navy defense was smothering. Despite showing brief flashes from time to time, the Penn offense was unable to get on track. As the game wore on and the clock became a factor, the Quakers found themselves forced to pass. Having to abandon its ball-control style of offensive proved costly for Penn. Navy's defensive backs were able to key on the pass and blanket Penn's receivers. Only Todd Whitenack was able to get open consistently for the Quakers, and even after catching a pass running room was hard to come by with swarming Navy on the prowl. With 9:25 left in the game, the Midshipmen struck again on a 31-yard touchdown pass to go up 20-0. Despite the wicked glare of the scoreboard, the Quakers kept their heads up throughout and played hard until the final snap. Despite the loss, Penn coach Bill Wagner remains extremely proud of his players, noting the standout performances by co-captain Steve Miller and Whitenack. "This team has come out ready to play all year long," Wagner said. "Unfortunately our offensive line couldn't handle the pass rush. The defense kept the game close, but Navy proved to be the better team." Wagner is looking forward to Penn's final game of the season against Princeton. "Many of our players are pretty banged up from the Navy game," Wagner added. "But since it will be the last game for the seniors, and since we have a chance to go 3-3 overall, you can expect the the team to play with the same intensity that it has been playing with all year."