2007 Navy vs. Air Force

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
21

<p>Reduced role, higher hopes
By Irv Moss
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 09/25/2007 01:06:28 AM MDT</p>

<p>Falcons senior Bobby Giannini (11) is second on the depth chart at free safety this season. (Post / Helen H. Richardson)</p>

<p>Air Force Academy - Bobby Giannini understands the language of football.</p>

<p>Coaches always have the last word, and sometimes that word can be painful. Such is the case for Giannini as he heads into the last eight or nine games of his collegiate career at the Air Force Academy. Four years ago, he was an unknown freshman from Hawthorn Woods, Ill., but he quickly gained the starting call at free safety for the Falcons.</p>

<p>Coach Fisher DeBerry, who rarely played freshmen during his 23 seasons at the Air Force helm, said he would play the best players and that players such as Giannini were going to lead a struggling program back to prominence.</p>

<p>Giannini prospered during his first three seasons, leading the Falcons</p>

<p>Air Force Football
Visit the AFA Stats Page for box scores, MWC standings, team leaders and
more in tackles with 92 in 2005 and finishing third last season with 64. However, Air Force finished with losing records, and the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy remained in the trophy case at Navy.</p>

<p>The view is different this season. With a new defensive scheme implemented by coordinator Tim DeRuyter for first-year coach Troy Calhoun, Giannini is a backup to junior Aaron Kirchoff.</p>

<p>"Everything's still there that I wanted to accomplish," Giannini said. "Just because I've been demoted doesn't change my attitude toward the team. Coach DeRuyter said I haven't been playing that well. It's tough being a starter that long and having this happen. I'm not happy with it, but it's a new role I have to accept for the team."</p>

<p>DeRuyter said Kirchoff is making more plays.</p>

<p>"Defense is about production," DeRuyter said. "Right now, Aaron Kirchoff is producing more." </p>

<p>Even after being shellacked 31-6 on Saturday at BYU, the Falcons (3-1, 2-1 Mountain West Conference) have all of their goals ahead of them. The MWC title, a winning season and a bowl game still can happen. And Saturday, the Falcons begin a bid to regain the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy at Navy. </p>

<p>"It might take a little off for me knowing I didn't participate as much as I wanted," Giannini said. "But I'll still be able to celebrate any of the goals we achieve. I really want to go to the White House with all my senior teammates if we win the Commander-in- Chief's Trophy."</p>

<p>But Navy has the swagger, has held the trophy the past four years and has defeated the Falcons in each of those years.</p>

<p>"Having swagger on the field and being confident about what you're doing are big parts to winning," Giannini said. "This is a big rivalry game. We feel as if we were the better team each year, but being the better team is coming out with a win, and we haven't done that."</p>

<p>Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or <a href="mailto:imoss@denverpost.com">imoss@denverpost.com</a>
.</p>

22

<p>Air Force challenge puts sparkle in eye of refurbished Mids</p>

<p>By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published September 25, 2007</p>

<p>The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy recently underwent an extensive renovation. Capital Awards in Annapolis completely refurbished the 2 1Ž2-foot tall, 170-pound trophy, which is engraved with the three service academy seals and features replicas of the Army Mule, Navy Goat and Air Force Falcon.</p>

<p>Apparently, the three-sided trophy had fallen somewhat into disrepair since being commissioned back in 1972. Gary Harkins of Capital Awards made contact with the original manufacturers to ensure the refurbishment was done to exact specifications.</p>

<p>Navy intends to keep the sparkling new version of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy in the same spot it has been the past four years - a showcase in the Rotunda of Bancroft Hall.</p>

<p>Air Force would like nothing better than to restore the coveted trophy to the place of honor it held in the Falcon Athletic Center for so many years.</p>

<p>Navy (2-2) begins defense of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy this Saturday when Air Force (3-1) comes to Annapolis for the first installment of the round-robin competition among the three service academies. The Midshipmen have won nine straight games against the Falcons and Black Knights and won the CIC Trophy outright the last four years.</p>

<p>However, Air Force has been the dominant service academy football program over the long haul, capturing the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy a record 16 times and holding it all but one year from 1989 through 2002.</p>

<p>The winner of Saturday's contest at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will get a leg up in the competition and would just need to beat Army later in the season to snatch the trophy.</p>

<p>"It's a fun time of the year. It's a big game. There ain't no use in ducking that. It's a big game," said Navy head coach Paul Johnson, who owns a 9-1 record against Army and Air Force.</p>

<p>For the Air Force seniors, this marks the final opportunity to lay hands on the trophy and earn a visit to the White House to meet the President of the United States. However, senior wide receiver Chad Hall down played importance of this week's game during an interview with The Gazette of Colorado Springs.</p>

<p>"Navy's just another team on our schedule," Hall said.</p>

<p>That statement seems hard to believe, especially considering Saturday will be first-year Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun's introduction to service academy competition. Calhoun succeeded legendary head coach Fisher DeBerry, who retired after 23 highly successful seasons in Colorado Springs.</p>

<p>Calhoun is a 1989 graduate of the Air Force Academy and started at quarterback for DeBerry. He served on DeBerrry's staff from 1989-1994 before going to work for former Air Force assistant Jim Grobe at Ohio and Wake Forest. The Oregon native spent the previous four seasons in the National Football League, working for the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans.</p>

<p>Johnson was an assistant at Hawaii when he initially met Calhoun since both men worked for schools that competed in the Western Athletic Conference.
"I've known Troy a long time. I've got a lot of respect for him. He's a good coach," Johnson said.</p>

<p>Calhoun, coming off a stint as offensive coordinator for the Texans, has retained elements of the option running game that DeBerry made famous at Air Force. However, the new head coach seems determined to put his own stamp on the program and has talked about throwing the ball more often.</p>

<p>"They're different offensively. They run a lot of formations," Johnson said. "They still run some optionŠ just not as much read option as they used to run. It's not a radical change. They're doing the same things, just from different formations."</p>

<p>Calhoun has brought former Navy assistant Tim DeRuyter aboard as defensive coordinator. DeRuyter, a three-year letterman at Air Force who worked for three seasons under former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie, has retained the 3-4 alignment always preferred by predecessor Richard Bell.</p>

<p>"Defensively, they're a lot more aggressive and doing a lot more zone pressures, but they're still an odd front," Johnson said.</p>

<p>Air Force began the Calhoun era with three straight wins, including apparent upsets of Utah and Texas Christian. The Utes knocked off then No. 11 UCLA on Sept. 15 while the Horned Frogs have been a consistent winner under head coach Gary Patterson.</p>

<p>That winning streak came crashing down hard last Saturday as Air Force was crushed by Mountain West Conference rival Brigham Young, 31-6. The Falcons' potent offense was shut out in the first half and held to 231 total yards for the game.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Navy snapped a two-game losing streak with a 46-43 come-from-behind victory over Duke. The Midshipmen rallied from an 11-point deficit to win in dramatic fashion on a 44-yard field goal by Joey Bullen as time expired.</p>

<p>Bullen, a senior who came off the bench to make two field goals in the fourth quarter, has been named the starting placekicker. He replaces Matt Harmon, who aggravated a slight groin injury during the Duke game.</p>

<p>Johnson said Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada will remain the team's starting quarterback and declined to speculate on how he might use backup Jarod Bryant on Saturday. Bryant relieved a tired Kaheaku-Enhada in the fourth quarter and led the Mids to 14 points.</p>

<p>"They both played well on Saturday, they both have a role. We'll use them as we feel gives us the best chance to win the game," Johnson said. "Not a lot has changed in my mind. It depends on how the game is going."</p>

23

<p>By JAKE SCHALLER THE GAZETTE</p>

<p>Trophy given to the winner of the round robin between the three military schools.</p>

<p>"It was a pretty big deal," said senior defensive end Josh Clayton, who along with about 30 classmates will play his final game against Navy on Saturday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. "And something we heard about pretty regularly."</p>

<p>"Navy and Army were put on a pedestal by Fisher," senior guard Caleb Morris said.</p>

<p>"In the past, when we had a bye week, all we would do was practice for Navy," senior center Blaine Guenther added.</p>

<p>Enter first-year coach Troy Calhoun. Since taking over in December, the 1989 academy graduate has shifted the Falcons¹ singular focus. In his first official news conference as coach, Calhoun called the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy a "key element of the program." But he also made it clear that competing for conference titles and earning bowl bids were just as important. He reiterated that this week.</p>

<p>"I think all three are quite meaningful," he said.</p>

<p>Air Force quarterbacks coach Blane Morgan agrees with the balanced outlook.</p>

<p>"I think when you play in a conference like we do and you put too much emphasis on two games during the season, then it kind of negates those other eight games that you¹re playing," he said.</p>

<p>So during the preseason, the Falcons did not spend time preparing for Navy, as they did under DeBerry. And there were no "Sink Navy" cheers after August practices.</p>

<p>"I think we're viewing it like we view every other opponent -- which is extremely important," Guenther said. "But it's not the be-all, end-all."</p>

<p>"I think as far as the general attitude, it hasn¹t been talked about all that much," Clayton said. "But it's not being ignored either. I think there's a good balance."</p>

<p>Senior running back Chad Hall agreed, noting the approach doesn't make younger players as nervous for the service academy games.</p>

<p>Despite the shift in focus, Saturday's game holds a special meaning - especially for Air Force's seniors. Last year, when the Falcons absorbed a fourth straight loss to the Midshipmen, the class of 2007 became the first in Air Force history never to have beaten Navy since the teams began playing annually in 1972.</p>

<p>This year's class doesn't want to continue that dubious distinction. And it wants to win back the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy -- and earn the trip to the White House that comes with it.</p>

<p>So for at least this week -- and in another month when the Falcons prepare to face Army -- thoughts of winning a conference title will be shelved momentarily.</p>

<p>"When it comes down to it, it means a lot to the seniors to try to get an opportunity to go to Washington," senior quarterback Shaun Carney said. "And
other than that, it's just a game on the schedule."</p>

24

<p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/a-955757%7EFresh_legs_give_Navy_fresh_start.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.examiner.com/a-955757~Fresh_legs_give_Navy_fresh_start.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Navy quarterback Jarod Bryant, who is not known for speed, appeared to be the quickest player on the field against Duke this past Saturday.</p>

<p>Bryant evaded defenders as he rushed for 69 yards in the fourth quarter to rally the Midshipmen to a 46-43 victory.</p>

<p>The backup signal-caller’s quick feet late in the game could be credited at least in part to standing on the sideline for three quarters before relieving a tired Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada. Bryant led Navy to three scoring drives, including one in the final minute, culminated by a game-winning, 44-yard field goal by Joey Bullen on the game’s final play....

[/quote]
</p>

25

<p>On Tuesday's practice </p>

<p>"We didn't practice very well today. Clearly I'm having a hard time getting through to them. We weren't focused today. You would think they would be focused." </p>

<p>On Success Against Air Force </p>

<p>"They have been hard-fought games and I think we have been hungry and we've had guys that this game really mattered too and they went out and played hard and made plays. Each game has come down to two or three plays." </p>

<p>On Air Force </p>

<p>"Offensively they are going to give you more formations and defensively they are a little more aggressive with their zone blitzes, but until they play us I don't know how much they will do against us. We have to get ourselves ready to play." </p>

<p>"I think they are playing hard and they are committed. They have played well. They have a lot of seniors." </p>

<p>"They play really hard, they take care of the ball and they have a really good kicking game." </p>

<p>On quarterback situation </p>

<p>"I don't believe in alternating quarterbacks. One is the starter and one is the backup. If I thought they were closer I would consider alternating. One is better at running the option, reading the option and knowing which way to go." </p>

<p>"Any time you have more than one good player at a position it's a luxury. I have confidence in Jarod." </p>

<p>Can bulletin board material motivate a team </p>

<p>"I don't know. It wouldn't motivate me, but it might motivate somebody else. Everybody is different."</p>

26

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_26-11/NAS%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_26-11/NAS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Despite Jarod Bryant's performance in leading Navy to a dramatic comeback victory over Duke, head coach Paul Johnson said he sees no reason to alter how he uses the team's quarterbacks.</p>

<p>Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada will remain the starting quarterback when Navy hosts service academy rival Air Force this Saturday. How much Bryant plays, if it all, will be determined by the events of the game, Johnson said.</p>

<p>"They both played well on Saturday, they both have a role. We'll use them as we feel gives us the best chance to win the game," Johnson said. "Not a lot has changed in my mind. It depends on how the game is going."...

[/quote]
</p>

27

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_26-31/NAS%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_26-31/NAS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
For Adam Ballard and the rest of the Navy seniors, the service academy series with Air Force holds nothing but fond memories.</p>

<p>Ballard will always treasure the crystal vase he received from the Quarterbacks Club of Colorado Springs for being named Most Valuable Player of the 2006 Navy-Air Force game. The powerful fullback barreled his way up the middle for 134 yards on 27 carries and was presented the MVP trophy during an on-field ceremony afterward. A photograph of that moment is part of a page about the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy in the Navy media guide.</p>

<p>"Of course I remember that, I'll never forget it," Ballard said....

[/quote]
</p>

28

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/navy_sports_wagner_blog.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/navy_sports_wagner_blog.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Continuing a theme begun earlier in this blog, I have discovered another talented defensive player that was originally a Navy recruit but is now playing elsewhere.</p>

<p>Jacob Biddle, a linebacker from Wimberley, Texas, spent one season at the Naval Academy Prep School. The 6-foot, 220-pounder is now a freshman at Colorado State and appears as though he will redshirt this season.</p>

<p>Biddle, who attended the same high school as former Navy quarterback Aaron Polanco, was the Central Texas Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He was a two-time All-State selection....

[/quote]
</p>

29

<p>*Video of Paul Johnson¹s Wednesday Press Conference Available On Navy All-Access Tonight *</p>

<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md.--Video of Paul Johnson's Wednesday afternoon press conference will be available tonight at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Navy All-Access. CSTV's Pete Medhurst will be on hand to interview Joey Bullen, O.J. Washington and Ketric Buffin. </p>

<p>To sign in or subscribe to Navy All-Access fans should go to <a href="http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.navysports.com&lt;/a> and click on the All-Access button on the right side of the page. </p>

<p>Subscribers to Navy All-Access will have the ability to view numerous events including Paul Johnson's daily press conferences, interviews with selected football players every Wednesday, football postgame press conferences (home and away) and every home basketball game (men's and women's). </p>

<p>The price for Navy All-Access is $6.95 per month, $49.95 for a 12-month package and 99.95 for CSTV All-Access XXL, which will provide you access to every CSTV.com school. For best results you should have broadband and high-speed cable access to the internet. Fans can sign up for the package on the front page of navysports.com by clicking on the Navy All-Access button.</p>

30

<p>It Is Home, Turkey !</p>

31

<p>Sounds like the Air Force Academy is having a little fun preparing for the game this week (check out the "Navy Week" thread on the USAFA Board). The Midshipman on exchange in Colorado have also pulled a couple pranks on Air Force. Haven't heard of anything going on at the Naval Academy. I know there are some AFA Cadets on exchange in Annapolis. Anyone hear of anything? I hope the MIdshipman are having a little fun too!</p>

32

<p><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-navy0926,0,7037876.story%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bal-navy0926,0,7037876.story&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
For three quarters Saturday, Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhadawas was impressive, leading the Midshipmen to 32 points, 217 yards passing and another 72 yards rushing. But when the heat of the day became too much, Kaheaku-Enhada didn't hesitate, he told his coach.</p>

<p>"If you can't go 100 percent, take yourself out," said the junior quarterback. "I knew Jarod was there. We're always there to back each other up."</p>

<p>Jarod Bryant, also a junior, came off the bench for the second time in two weeks to lead a Mids comeback. Against Duke last Saturday he led a 14-point rally capped by a 44-yard last-second field goal that provided a 46-43 win....

[/quote]
</p>

33

<p><a href="http://www2.gazette.com/usafa/display.php?id=1331673%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www2.gazette.com/usafa/display.php?id=1331673&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Navy should have a big edge in the momentum department heading into Saturday’s game against Air Force at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md. </p>

<p>While the Falcons had their three-game winning streak snapped in startling fashion by BYU last weekend — the Cougars rolled 31-6 — Navy came from behind to defeat Duke 46-43 with a field goal as time expired....

[/quote]
</p>

34

<p>By Irv Moss
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/27/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT</p>

<p>Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada doesn't have to play the heavy in a loaded question, because there's no doubt that Navy is going to run the
ball, anyway.</p>

<p>With the Midshipmen trying to become the first team in NCAA Division I-A to lead the nation in rushing three consecutive years, there could be a question of a quarterback shaking off a pass play in order to increase the rushing yardage.</p>

<p>"That's an interesting statistic," said Kaipo, as he's called by coach Paul Johnson and his teammates, in response to the question. "We're just going to run the ball, because that's what we do."</p>

<p>Johnson claimed to not be paying attention to the rushing string, but also confirmed passing isn't a big part of Air Force Football</p>

<p>"We need to run the ball to be successful," Johnson said. "Our running game has been great for us."</p>

<p>Kaipo, who came to Navy from Kapolei, Hawaii, leads the Midshipmen (2-2) in rushing with 313 yards and five touchdowns in 58 carries. As he aims Navy's offense Saturday at Air Force, Kaipo has completed 22-of-42 passes for 381 yards and two TDs.</p>

<p>With a strong running attack leading the way, Navy has defeated the Falcons the past four years. Before Navy came to prominence in the series, Air Force was the dominant team in the series while featuring the triple option under coach Fisher DeBerry. The Falcons have changed up a little with a more versatile offense under coach Troy Calhoun.</p>

<p>"I'm sure it will be a little different, but we think they're still similar in their offensive schemes," Johnson said. "I don't think it's a requirement for service academy teams to run the option to be successful, but you have to run what you know and what you think will work."</p>

<p>Air Force defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, a former Air Force player and a former coach at Navy, said the Midshipmen are executing the offense really well.</p>

<p>"Wherever Paul Johnson has been, he's done an unbelievable job rushing the football," DeRuyter said. "You have to stop the running game, but that sets up their play-action passing game."</p>

<p>The Midshipmen also at times have used a two-quarterback system. Junior Jarod Bryant has been a good change of pace; he ranks sixth on the team in rushing with 179 yards and one touchdown.</p>

<p>Kaipo doesn't get caught up in strategies of the game.</p>

<p>"I feel confident that I know what to do," Kaipo said. "You can put any style into these games, but it comes down to heart."</p>

<p>Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or <a href="mailto:imoss@denverpost.com">imoss@denverpost.com</a>.</p>

35

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/blog_bwagner.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/blog_bwagner.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>My Letter to ESPN
By
Bill Wagner, Annapolis Capital Blog</p>

<p>
[quote]
I was deeply disappointed when I read the column on ESPN.com by Pat Forde that referenced last week's exchange between me and Navy head coach Paul Johnson</p>

<p>This gentlemen does not know me nor Coach Johnson and did not bother to contact either of us to gain an understanding or perspective as to how and why the exchange took place, how we both felt about it and what was the fallout....

[/quote]
</p>

36

<p>Comments from Navy head football coach Paul Johnson, junior quarterback Jarod Bryant, junior quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada and senior guard Ben Gabbard following practice on Wednesday, Sept. 26</p>

<p>Johnson on playing the game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium instead of at a pro stadium </p>

<p>"I think it's great. I think it's a huge advantage to be here at home. Hopefully we can get the fans heavily involved. The Brigade has been great in the past. They can be like the 12th man, so hopefully they will be excited on Saturday. It could be a real solid home field advantage." </p>

<p>Johnson on the team </p>

<p>"We need to play better. There is no question that we haven't played our best football yet. I hope we haven't played our best football, because if we have it's going to be a disappointing season. We need to get better. There is no question about that. Every team is different. This team is different than the other teams I've had here, there is no question about that," </p>

<p>Johnson on the intensity level of practice </p>

<p>"Today was a lot better. We had a better practice today. There was more energy and more enthusiasm." </p>

<p>Bryant on the importance of the Air Force game </p>

<p>"It's an exciting game. It's a fun game to be a part of. We really want to keep the CIC trophy here. We don't want to be the team that doesn't win the trophy." </p>

<p>Bryant on the enthusiasm of Air Force week </p>

<p>"You have to prepare every week, but there are a couple of games a year where people have that sparkle in their eye. I think everybody is excited to play. It's going to be fun." </p>

<p>Bryant on the change in coaching staff at Air Force </p>

<p>"It doesn't matter who the coaching staff is it's going to be a good game. They have a real good coaching staff, but they have always had a real good coaching staff. You can put all that stuff to the side. They are going to play hard and we are going to play hard. It's one of those games where whoever wants it more and will fight to the end will probably be the team that wins it." </p>

<p>Bryant on preparing himself on the sidelines to go into the game </p>

<p>"You really have to keep your head in the game. You have to listen to the calls and pay attention to what defense the opposition is in. When Kaipo comes off the field I usually go pick his brain to find out what he's seeing out there. It's probably annoying to him, but I like to pick his brain after every series so I can stay in the game mentally. </p>

<p>Kaipo on what the trophy means to the team </p>

<p>"It means everything to us. The big thing to us is the guys that came before us that did the hard work and got the trophy. We don't want to let them down. </p>

<p>Kaipo on Air Force week </p>

<p>"It is definitely one of the biggest games of the year. Nobody has to say anything, you can just feel it. This is the first step in winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. It's one of the highest goals on our list." </p>

<p>Kaipo on helping out Bryant when Jarod is in the game </p>

<p>"I try to help him as much as I can. I try and tell him what they are doing or if he missed something. </p>

<p>Gabbard on the Air Force game </p>

<p>"It's one of the biggest games of the year. We are trying to keep the trophy. All the coaches get really fired up for this game. Every year it's a tough game. They play really hard and it's always a physical game. It's a fun game to play in. </p>

<p>Gabbard on Air Force's defensive line </p>

<p>"They play hard and they play fast. They run to the ball and they are unrelenting in their effort." </p>

<p>Gabbard on the Navy offense </p>

<p>"I think we are making progress. We still have a lot of improvement to make. I think every week we are taking small steps, but it's time to start to lengthen those steps a little bit if we are going to be successful." </p>

<p>Gabbard on if The Brigade is excited about the game </p>

<p>"I think so despite all the negativity going on. I think the attitude has really picked up the last couple of days.</p>

37

<p><a href="http://navy.scout.com/2/684350.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://navy.scout.com/2/684350.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Last week after the Ball State game, I asked Navy coach Paul Johnson to name three things his team currently did well. While I waited for his answer I was able to cook a three-course meal, complete a crossword puzzle, and send a dozen emails. As I prepared to feast on my dessert, Johnson finally responded by saying, “We’ve covered kick-offs fairly well.”...

[/quote]
</p>

38

<p><a href="http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_27-04/NAS%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2007/09_27-04/NAS&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
The last time Tim DeRuyter had to devise a game plan against an option football team, he was defensive coordinator at Navy.</p>

<p>"Both Army and Air Force were running option back then and that was always a challenge. I don't think I've gone against an option team since I left Navy," DeRuyter said....

[/quote]
</p>

39

<p>For: Immediate Release
Sent: September 27, 2007
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775</p>

<p>Record Crowd Expected Saturday For Navy-Air Force Game</p>

<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md.-The Naval Academy Athletic Association expects a record crowd on Saturday for the Navy-Air Force football game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and the game sponsor is USAA. The stadium attendance record is 36,918, which was set last year against Rutgers. </p>

<p>"Saturday will turn out to be a historic showing of appreciation for our players, coaches, and the Academy at large," said Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. "Those in attendance will enjoy the pageantry of college football at its best in a memorial that reflects the storied traditions of our Navy and Marine Corps family. Our gratitude goes out to everyone for their unparalleled commitment to Navy football. The stage is set for a very special day in Annapolis and a terrific match-up on the gridiron." </p>

<p>Standing room only tickets are still available for the Wake Forest game on Oct. 20 and for the Delaware game on Oct. 27, while seats are still available for the Northern Illinois contest on Nov. 17. The Army-Navy game is sold out. Fans can purchase tickets for the three remaining home games by calling 1-800-US4-NAVY, on the web at <a href="http://www.navysports.com%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.navysports.com&lt;/a> or on game day at the stadium starting at 10:30 a.m. </p>

<p>On Saturday, Parking gates 1 and 2 will open at 6:30 a.m. with the rest of the parking gates opening at 8 a.m. Directed parking will start at 11 a.m. and at that time fans will no longer be able to save parking spots. </p>

<p>Fans that purchased tickets for the Captain's BBQ can enter the stadium through Gate P starting at 10:30 a.m. while the main stadium gates will open at 11 a.m. As a reminder, fans must have purchased a parking pass in advance of game day to park in the stadium lot. </p>

<p>Fans that do not have a parking pass can ride the free shuttles from the Harry S. Truman Park and Ride lot to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for all Navy home football games. Shuttle busses will start running at 11 a.m. on Saturday. </p>

<p>Fans are encouraged to utilize this service in order to avoid the congestion on Route 50 and around the stadium. Busses will depart the stadium and return to the Harry S. Truman Park and Ride at halftime, end of the third quarter and at the end of the game for up to one hour after the game. </p>

<p>The Harry S. Truman Park and Ride lot is located at Harry S. Truman Parkway and Riva Road near the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in Annapolis. </p>

<p>The best way to get to the parking lot is: </p>

<p>From Washington D.C. & Points West and South Travel east on Route 50 towards Annapolis Take Exit 22 (Route 665 - Aris T. Allen Blvd.) Then Exit at Riva Road and turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Riva Road (South) Proceed for 1/4 mile through one stoplight and turn right into the Park and Ride lot. There are "Express Bus Park and Ride Lot" and "Navy Football Free Shuttle Bus signs directing traffic into the lot. </p>

<p>From Baltimore and Points North Take I-97 southbound to Route 50 east Take Exit 22 (Route 665 - Aris T. Allen Blvd.) Then Exit at Riva Road and turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Riva Road (South) Proceed for 1/4 mile through one stoplight and turn right into the Park and Ride lot. There are "Express Bus Park and Ride Lot" and Navy Football Free Shuttle Bus signs directing traffic into the lot. </p>

<p>From the Eastern Shore and Points East Take Route 50 west across the Bay Bridge Take Exit 22 (Route 665 - Aris T. Allen Blvd.) Then Exit at Riva Road and turn right at the bottom of the exit onto Riva Road (South) Proceed for 1/4 mile through one stoplight and turn right into the Park and Ride lot. There are "Express Bus Park and Ride Lot" and Navy Football Free Shuttle Bus signs directing traffic into the lot.</p>

40

<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/27/AR2007092702124.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/27/AR2007092702124.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Copies of the 2002 Navy-Wake Forest game have been circulating among Navy's defensive coaches as they prepare for tomorrow's game against Air Force. Troy Calhoun was the Demon Deacons' offensive coordinator that day; he currently is in his first year as the Falcons' head coach. </p>

<p>Wake Forest used a balanced attack -- 210 yards passing, 200 rushing -- in a 30-27 victory. </p>

<p>Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said Air Force has a similar offense to Wake Forest, complete with misdirection plays, reverses, the option and play-action passes....

[/quote]
</p>