At one point during Saturday?s 49-21 win at Eastern Michigan, the Navy football team was playing with a different quarterback, fullback and center, among others, than those who started the season.
In each case, injuries played a factor in a reserve stepping onto the field for the Midshipmen (7-3), and in each instance, that player thrived. Many of those players might be called upon again Saturday when Navy plays its home finale against Temple (1-10) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.
Sophomore quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, playing in place of senior Brian Hampton (knee) at Eastern Michigan, had a hand in six touchdowns, throwing for two and running for four. The four rushing touchdowns tied him for the second-best one-game total in school history. Sophomore fullback Eric Kettani, playing in relief of Adam Ballard (ankle), finished with 91 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. And backup center Cole Smith, who replaced James Rossi (ankle), came through with quality play.
For Navy coach Paul Johnson, performances like that from backups is another sign of how far the program has come since he took over in 2002.
“We have had a lot of guys contribute,” Johnson said. “It started in the secondary early on when we got some guys hurt. We have had guys come in and play at almost every position. It?s a positive anytime the young guys can step in and do a good job. It?s good for the team and good for them. I think we have less numbers, but more quality [compared to 2002], which was what we were trying to shoot for to begin with. Hopefully, we?ve made some progress that way. We are still not where we would like to be, but we?ve made progress.”
Kettani said it felt great to finally get some quality playing time, but he understands that it can be difficult to get touches for so many players. Matt Hall, the 2005 starting fullback, knows the feeling, too. Now listed as the third fullback on the depth chart, Hall proved he was still a viable option Saturday, running for 44 yards on seven carries.
“Navy has done a great job bringing in quality athletes the last couple of years,” Kettani said. “I?m pleased with where we are right now. Hopefully, we can eventually reach the top 25 and win outright the Commander-in-Chief?s Trophy again this year. But right now, we have to deal with Temple.”
NAVY NOTES
» Navy coach Paul Johnson said fullback Adam Ballard, center James Rossi and wide receiver Curtis Sharp are listed as questionable for the Temple game. All three injured their ankles against Eastern Michigan.
» Other injured Midshipmen include safety DuJuan Price, who is doubtful with a pulled right quadriceps. Kicker Joey Bullen is doubtful with a strained groin, while quarterback Brian Hampton and offensive tackle Josh Meek are out for the season with knee injuries.
