As the play clock wound down to zero at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, the Penn sprint football team left with the knowledge it could compete with the best in the Collegiate Sprint Football League. However, the scoreboard read "Navy: 10, Visitors: 6." Despite the loss, the Quakers left the field with a strong sense of accomplishment.
"The game sent the message throughout the league that 'yeah, Navy is good,'" Penn coach Bill Wagner said. "But I think we made it clear that we're right up there with them."
After suffering a 48-0 defeat against the Midshipmen in the penultimate game last year, almost any result would have been an improvement. The Quakers, however, wanted more.
"We went down to Navy thinking we were as good as them," Wagner said.
The game proved to be a very physical and even matchup. Both teams rushed for four first downs and passed for seven. Each offense was held to less than 65 rushing yards, and neither managed to score a rushing touchdown.
It was the special teams that made the difference. Navy averaged 15.1 yards on each of its seven punt returns while Penn averaged a single yard on each of its three punt returns.
"Our special teams just didn't do as good as theirs," Wagner said.
The Quakers also failed to gain big yards in their kick return game, had their only point-after attempt blocked and missed a field goal in the fourth quarter.
"Statistically, it was a pretty even match. It was really a physical defensive struggle," Wagner said. "Turnovers were the big thing."
Turnovers were indeed key, as Penn only managed six points despite forcing seven turnovers. The Penn defense shut down the Navy running game and forced three punts, five fumbles and two interceptions. The Midshipmen also failed to convert twice in two attempts on fourth down.
Penn senior defensive end Brian Raphael was the star on the defensive side of the ball, as he forced two fumbles -- one by Navy's star quarterback Chris Ashinhurst -- blocked two passes and recorded a sack. He also had four tackles. Senior defensive back John Goldshmidt made five solo tackles and one of two important interceptions.
However, many of the Quakers' positive defensive plays were literally given back to Navy as Penn committed four turnovers of its own.
Penn quarterback James Donapel was unable to find the end zone during the first half due to heavy pressure from the Navy defense.
However, the second half saw Penn take a 6-3 lead with 12:41 to play in the fourth quarter, as senior Tim Murphy hauled in an eight-yard pass from Donapel to cap off a nine-play, 70-yard drive.
However, the Midshipmen special teams blocked the extra point, swinging the momentum back in Navy's favor.
On the ensuing drive, Ashinhurst threw a bomb down the sideline to wide receiver Adam Matthews, who slipped past the coverage and ran the ball for a 54-yard touchdown. In only 51 seconds, Navy retook the lead and held on to it, narrowly escaping a Penn upset.
Going into a bye this week, Wagner plans to use the extra time to sharpen the special teams and attempt to ignite the running game. Junior back Greg Bagnoli had only 50 yards rushing.
"We've got a young offensive line," he said. "And they faced a tough challenge against the veteran Navy line."
The offensive line will have to work on getting Donapel more time in the pocket if they want to win when they play Navy in their league game on Oct. 31.
Donapel is only 55 yards shy of the Penn all-time passing record, set by Tommy Frankel 20 years ago.
Donapel "is a tough kid with a great arm," Wagner said. "And I expect he'll have no problem breaking the record."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.