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yesterday

Woodson’s Long Runs Power Navy to 52-7 Rout of VMI

The blowout bolsters a program pattern of bowl trips following season-opening wins.

Aug. 30, 2025: The Midshipmen take the field. The Navy Midshipmen play their NCAA football season opener at home against the visiting VMI Keydets at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)
Navy’s Eli Heidenreich catches a Blake Horvath pass for a touchdown in the second quarter. The Navy Midshipmen play their NCAA football season opener at home against the visiting VMI Keydets at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)
Navy backup quarterback Braxton Woodson breaks a huge run for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Navy Midshipmen win their NCAA football season opener at home against the visiting VMI Keydets, 52-7, at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. (Paul W. Gillespie/Staff)

Overview

  • Backup quarterback Braxton Woodson rushed for 180 yards with 74- and 68-yard touchdown runs after relieving starter Blake Horvath.
  • Navy piled up 464 rushing yards and 556 total yards in Annapolis.
  • Blake Horvath went 6-of-7 for 66 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown to Eli Heidenreich, who recorded his 11th career scoring catch.
  • The Midshipmen led 28-0 at halftime, and after VMI’s 75-yard strike to Owen Sweeney made it 31-7, Navy closed it out with three fourth-quarter touchdowns.
  • Navy’s defense held VMI of the FCS to 212 total yards and nine first downs, and the program has reached bowls in 11 of the last 12 seasons when it wins its opener.