Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada doesn’t have to play the heavy in a loaded question, because there’s no doubt that Navy is going to run the ball, anyway.
With the Midshipmen trying to become the first team in NCAA Division I-A to lead the nation in rushing three consecutive years, there could be a question of a quarterback shaking off a pass play in order to increase the rushing yardage.
“That’s an interesting statistic,” said Kaipo, as he’s called by coach Paul Johnson and his teammates, in response to the question. “We’re just going to run the ball, because that’s what we do.”
Johnson claimed to not be paying attention to the rushing string, but also confirmed passing isn’t a big part of Navy’s offensive game plan.
“We need to run the ball to be successful,” Johnson said. “Our running game has been great for us.”
Kaipo, who came to Navy from Kapolei, Hawaii, leads the Midshipmen (2-2) in rushing with 313 yards and five touchdowns in 58 carries. As he aims Navy’s offense Saturday at Air Force, Kaipo has completed 22-of-42 passes for 381 yards and two TDs.
With a strong running attack leading the way, Navy has defeated the Falcons the past four years. Before Navy came to prominence in the series, Air Force was the dominant team in the series while featuring the triple option under coach Fisher DeBerry. The Falcons have changed up a little with a more versatile offense under coach Troy Calhoun.
“I’m sure it will be a little different, but we think they’re still similar in their offensive schemes,” Johnson said. “I don’t think it’s a requirement for service academy teams to run the option to be successful, but you have to run what you know and what you think will work.”
Air Force defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, a former Air Force player and a former coach at Navy, said the Midshipmen are executing the offense really well.
“Wherever Paul Johnson has been, he’s done an unbelievable job rushing the football,” DeRuyter said. “You have to stop the running game, but that sets up their play-action passing game.”
The Midshipmen also at times have used a two-quarterback system. Junior Jarod Bryant has been a good change of pace; he ranks sixth on the team in rushing with 179 yards and one touchdown.
Kaipo doesn’t get caught up in strategies of the game.
“I feel confident that I know what to do,” Kaipo said. “You can put any style into these games, but it comes down to heart.”
Staff writer Irv Moss can be reached at 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
