Lavatai leads Navy on offense, defense shuts down Wagner in 24-0 victory

Updated Sep. 9, 2023 8:53 p.m. ET

Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Quarterback Tai Lavatai accounted for 226 total yards and a touchdown and Navy controlled the line on both sides in its 24-0 win over Wagner on Saturday.

After holding the Seahawks to five plays on their first drive, Navy established a seven-play, 77-yard drive that ended when Daba Fofana ran it from the 3. The score was set up when Lavatai threw a 45-yard completion to Anton Hall Jr. to put the ball at Wagner's 6-yard line.

Just before the close of the half, the Midshipmen (1-1) added a field goal when Evan Warren connected from 27-yards out with 2:20 remaining before the break.

On Wagner's following drive, Rayuan Lane intercepted Damien Mazil in the end zone for a touchback. Navy then went on a five-play, 80-yard scoring drive in 40 seconds that ended with a 12-yard scoring pass from Lavatai to Camari Williams with eight seconds left before the half. Lavatai finished 5-for-5 passing on the drive which included a 35-yarder to Nathan Kent to start the drive.

Following a weather delay to start the third quarter, Navy closed the scoring when Eli Heidenreich ran 46 yards with 10:44 remaining.

Mazil threw for 100 yards.

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