Jeff Monken reacts to goal-line stand from Army to beat Navy

In classic fashion, Army used its defense to secure a victory against Navy on Saturday afternoon. The Black Knights fund themselves backed up at their own 2-yard line on fourth down as the Midshipmen had one final shot to punch in the go-ahead score.

Quarterback Tai Lavatai attempted to take it in himself but was met by a host of Army defenders and stopped just shy of breaking the plane. The Black Knights then took over on downs and took a safety on the final play of the game to come away with a 17-11 win.

Army coach Jeff Monken spoke postgame with CBS on the impressive stop from his defense.

“Nothing’s easy. I mean, welcome to the Army-Navy game,” he said. “We’ve got a 17-3 lead, (and then) they’re on the 1-yard line with a second to go. We made a play, thank goodness. But, really proud of our team.”

Army goal-line stand for the win over Navy. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/AdxUNl91MC

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 9, 2023

Army controlled the game for most of the afternoon and never trailed. The Black Knights had their biggest lead after Kalib Fortner forced and recovered a fumble that he returned for a 44-yard touchdown to make it 17-3.

Navy wasn’t going away quietly, however. The Midshipmen responded to score their first touchdown of the game on the ensuing drive when Lavatai found Jayden Umbarger on a 14-yard connection. They went for a two-point conversion but failed as the deficit was cut to 17-9.

Navy still held strong to force Army to punt and get the ball back with just 1:20 remaining. It managed to drive 72 yards all the way down to the goal line to give itself a chance to win before the Black Knights defense made the play of the game.

“It’s indescribable. Every play is like that,” Monken said. “Every play of this game feels like that play right there. That’s what makes this game so incredible.”

Army’s defense made big plays all game as it forced two turnovers, including the fumble returned for a touchdown. The Black Knights also had a big day on the ground to finish with 205 yards rushing on 4.4 yards per carry.

Army has now won back-to-back games against Navy, including six of the past eight. Monken improved his record to 6-4 against the Midshipmen with this season’s win.

The Black Knights finished out the year a solid 6-6, closing out the season with four straight wins. Monken knows this classic victory may be their most memorable from this season.

“It’s a source of pride for our entire team, our academy,” he said. “A long great line of graduates, the Army. I’m just so happy for our seniors and our players, the way they battled back this last half of the season, I couldn’t be more proud.”