Navy Shows Army How to Run a Tight Ship

While close games have been a tradition in the annual Army-Navy game, Midshipmen quarterback Craig Candeto made sure there was nothing traditional about Saturday’s game.

Candeto set a school record and tied an NCAA mark with six rushing touchdowns, and he passed for another to lead Navy past Army, 58-12, at Giants Stadium in one of the most lopsided outcomes in the 103 meetings between the service academies.

Candeto tied the Division I-A record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, set by Air Force’s Dee Dowis against San Diego State to open the 1989 season. Candeto scored on three one-yard runs and from 42, seven and three yards.

“It’s pretty special,” Candeto said. “It humbles me to know there are so many great players that have played throughout this tradition. For me to have this record, I’m really at a loss for words.”

His performance gave the Midshipmen (2-10) a triumphant end to an otherwise forgettable season, in which they’d lost 10 straight before Saturday.

Navy’s point total was the most in the game’s history, and the 46-point margin was the second-largest in the series, behind a 51-0 Navy win in 1973.

The 508 yards of total offense and 421 rushing yards set game records, and Candeto’s touchdowns and point total were the most by a player in the series.

Before the game, a videotaped message from President Bush was shown, in which he thanked the Army and Navy players for their service.

“I’m proud of every Cadet and Midshipman,” Bush said. “You are devoted to serving your country and your fellow citizens. You will join the finest military in the world, and throughout your careers, you will keep the peace and defend freedom.”

Although Army leads the series 49-47-7, the Black Knights (1-11) had trouble dealing with an embarrassing loss.

“I’m hurt -- embarrassed as a matter of fact,” said Army quarterback Reggie Nevels. “Losing a game like that has great impact on my pride.”