Before Saturday, the last time that Navy had beaten Army in football was in the 2021 season.
Eli Heidenreich and Alex Tecza were still at Mt. Lebanon then, leading the Blue Devils to a PIAA Class-6A title over powerhouse St. Joe’s Prep. It was the same day that the Midshipmen beat the Black Knights — the last win for Navy before this season.
And while Heidenreich and Tecza weren’t able to help in 2022 (with both redshirting) and the pair fell just short last season, they were instrumental this time around.
Navy knocked off Army, 31-13, to claim the Commander-in-Chief Trophy in the 125th edition of the rivalry, and while Navy quarterback Blake Horvath led the way, he was helped by Heidenreich and Tecza.
Tecza carried the ball eight times for 24 yards and Heidenreich carried the ball six times for 19 yards, but it was their work through the air that stands out. Heidenreich made the play of the game, turning a quick catch into a 52-yard touchdown.
Tecza turned his one catch into a 31-yard gain. And he back flipped his way into the highlight reels, capping off a major victory for the Midshipmen.
Heidenreich has been a star at Navy this season, racking up 61 carries for 421 yards (6.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. But he’s been one of the best receiving backs in college football, adding 37 receptions for 649 yards (17.5 yards per reception) and six touchdowns.
In two seasons, he’s racked up 88 carries for 635 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and four touchdowns, adding 56 receptions for 1,031 yards (18.4 yards per reception) and 10 touchdowns.
Tecza has been a standout player for Navy, recording 109 carries for 525 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns — adding 12 receptions for 229 yards (19.1 yards per reception) and two more touchdowns.
He’s racked up 235 carries for 1,283 yards (5.5 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns, with 28 receptions for 326 yards (11.6 yards per reception) and two touchdowns, in his career.
