Navy Reaches First 10-Win Season Since 1905

Aaron Polanco ran for three touchdowns and passed for another, and Navy capped the academy’s best season in 99 years with a 34-19 win over New Mexico in the Emerald Bowl on Thursday.

Polanco scored on runs of 14, one and 27 yards and completed a 61-yard touchdown pass to Corey Dryden, the longest of the season by Polanco and the first career score by Dryden. The Midshipmen’s defense was impressive too, on a rain-soaked field at SBC Park.

The unit forced two first-half turnovers that led to touchdowns and staged a goal-line stand late in the third quarter. Then Navy kept the ball for the next 14 minutes 26 seconds, and held New Mexico to seven plays in the fourth quarter.

The Midshipmen (10-2) tied for the most wins in school history, last accomplished when Navy went 10-1-1 in 1905. It was a fitting end for the Midshipmen, some of whom will head off to war in the coming year.

Polanco finished the season with 16 rushing touchdowns, the most by a quarterback this year. Polanco gained a Navy bowl record 136 yards on the ground for his fourth 100-yard rushing game, threw for 101 yards and even caught a 17-yard pass from Frank Divis to set up his second touchdown. His two receptions were most by any Navy player.

New Mexico quarterback Kole McKamey had nearly as big a day after the Lobos (7-5) lost star tailback DonTrell Moore to an injured left knee late in the first quarter.

McKamey threw for 207 yards and rushed for 138, but also had two interceptions.