Air Force Tops Navy 14-9, One Win From Commander‑in‑Chief's Trophy

A stingy Air Force defense backed by Liaz Szarka’s two rushing touchdowns puts the Falcons in position to clinch the trophy at Army on Nov. 7.

Overview

Air Force defeated Navy 14-9 in the opening game of the Commander‑in‑Chief’s Trophy round‑robin on Saturday, giving the Falcons an early lead in the three‑team series.
Liaz Szarka scored both rushing touchdowns that produced Air Force’s points, though published accounts differ on his exact yardage totals.
The Falcons defense largely decided the game by holding Navy to 1‑for‑11 on third downs and forcing key plays late in the game, including a KOAA‑reported fumble recovery and a sack on Navy’s final drive.
Air Force can clinch the trophy with a victory at Army on Nov. 7, while Navy will face Army on Dec. 12 in East Rutherford with the round‑robin still to be completed.
The win snaps Air Force’s recent skid vs. other service academies, earns the attention of senior officials who attended the game, and builds on a long rivalry in which Air Force has historically led the series with Navy.