AIR FORCE ACADEMY — It was back to the beginning for Air Force coach Troy Calhoun after watching the Falcons, inept at times, on the way to a sixth consecutive loss to Navy.
With the Falcons (3-2) nearing the halfway mark in their season, Calhoun could be looking at some lineup changes.
At quarterback, questions arose after senior Shea Smith had to leave early in the fourth quarter with flu symptoms and freshman Tim Jefferson led the Falcons on an 84-yard scoring drive that brought the Falcons to within striking distance.
Smith, who completed 8-of-12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, fumbled the snap on the first play of the third quarter, leaving Navy 10 yards away from a go-ahead touchdown.
“I was pleased with the way Tim played,” Calhoun said. “I thought he was composed, but he has a lot to learn. But at the same time, he gives you some spark.”
Jefferson completed 4-of-9 passes for 56 yards and ran for another 35 yards on six carries.
Rugby punt.
The rugby punt strategy allows for the punter to run sideways before punting the ball to allow coverage to move downfield. On Saturday, that strategy backfired when Ryan Harrison punted the ball right into Navy rushers and the ball was returned 25 yards for a touchdown by Bobby Doyle.
“We’re going to take a look at it,” Calhoun said. “If you cut a player scot-free like we did, it’s going to get blocked.”
Free points.
Besides the blocked punt and the short-distance touchdown early in the third quarter, the Midshipmen also turned an Air Force fumble by tailback Savier Stephens at the Air Force 18-yard line early in the fourth quarter into a field goal.
The Falcons turned a fumble by Navy halfback Shun White at the Navy 17 in the first quarter into a TD.
Busy day.
Air Force linebacker Ken Lamendola led all defenders with 14 tackles, followed by AFA outside linebacker Hunter Altman’s 13. Navy safety Jeff Deliz led the Midshipmen with 10.
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
