Horvath, Heidenreich play big part in Navy's 49-21 season-opening win over Bucknell

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Brandon Chatman weaves through traffic for a 42-yard Navy touchdown

Brandon Chatman dashes through defenders for a 42-yard touchdown against Bucknell.

Aug 31, 2024, 09:11 pm

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- — Blake Horvath threw two touchdowns passes, Eli Heidenreich caught two for scores and Navy opened its season with a 49-21 win over FCS Bucknell on Saturday.

Braxton Woodson also saw action at quarterback and threw for one touchdown and ran for another. The QBs combined to go 10 of 19 for 173 yards, the three TDs and two interceptions.

Ralph Rucker IV, who set a Bison record last year by throwing for 2,537 yards, was 11 of 24 for 122 yards and a score. TJ Cadden made five catches for 97 yards.

Rucker threw a 47-yard TD pass to wide-open Nate Anderson within the first two minutes of the game but the Midshipmen scored the next 28 points of the half, including Daba Fofana's 49-yard burst up the middle and Horvath's screen pass to Braxton Woodson, who broke tackles on his way to a 42-yard score.

Bucknell cornerback Aaron Davis was injured early in the second half and was put on a stretcher. He gave a thumbs up as he was carted off.

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