It's a new game, but the passion is the same

Despite a bitter first season for rookie Head Coach Liam J, the Navy Midshipmen have had a strong second season under the hard-nosed young man from Canada. A few disappointments have hindered the success of the team, not the least of which being the lack of development of quarterback Peter Gunningham who had actually regressed from the time when Johnstone took over. However, the entire team has been to the bottom of the well and, going into the last game of the season against perennial rival Army, the Midshipmen have undergone a renewal of sorts.

Gunningham looks like the man that Johnstone expected when he came to Navy, executing the option offense with alacrity and an attention to detail that has left some stunned. He enjoyed the best passing game of his career last week against Central Michigan, throwing for 100 yards. In the weeks previous, Gunningham's feet have carried the offense, carving opposing defenses for a team high 600 yards.

Freshman fullbacks Chad Rice and Max Starks have struggled some, holding on to the ball, but their status as walk-ons has not held them back from amassing huge gains up the middle. Under-used speedster Mo Thomas and his strong-side counterpart at wing-back Jim Vance continue to be solid contributors when called upon. T. J. Moon continues to be the team's leading receiver, despite the fact that he is the team's third wide-out and only sees the field in obvious passing situations.

On defense, Pratt and Spooner continue to shut down opposing teams' passing games, despite the fact that the pair combine for only two interceptions this year. Brown, at linebacker, is the team's best defender, and, as a freshman, this is a great sign. Walker and Philpot are a pair of bookends that Johnstone wishes he could hold onto for longer but he knows the college game and that complete turnover is inevitable.

This team has a better chance at the Blue Grey game this Saturday than they have in a long time.