Fall Means Football: A Preview of Navy's 2005 Season
By Jake Russell
After consecutive bowl appearances and a ten-win season in 2004, Navy appears to be set to continue its winning ways, but that will not be without any challenges.
The Midshipmen, who capped off the 2004 season with an Emerald Bowl victory against New Mexico, will begin the 2005 campaign with their third different starting quarterback in as many years.
After waiting in the wings behind standout quarterbacks Craig Candeto and Aaron Polanco for the past three seasons, Lamar Owens looks to be opening day starter for the Midshipmen. Owens is the team's leading returning passer and rusher from 2004. His knowledge of the offense will be vital to the team's performance and success.
Fans of the Mids will have two opportunities this September to see if Owens' offense can get the job done: at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium against the Maryland Terrapins on 9/3, followed by a home contest at the ever-improving Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium against the Stanford Cardinal on 9/10.
For tailgaters, September obliges. Start times for both games will be 6 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to wash down their hot dogs and burgers with libations of their choosing. In Annapolis, expect the traditional "Class of . . ." tailgate parties and fanfare-and maybe even a band playing in the parking lot. Arrive to the lot early enough and a spot on the grass next to the stadium is yours. Arrive late, and you'll likely be parking next to Germantown Elementary, about a half-mile away. If you make your way into the stadium about 45 minutes before game time, you'll see the midshipmen march onto the field in company formation (the march to the stadium begins in downtown, Annapolis, continuing along Main St. and Rowe Blvd. before finishing at the stadium gates on Taylor Ave.). When the last company has arrived and planted itself firmly in place, the mids are given the order to assume their seats and a mad dash ensues. Game time is a few minutes away and hopes for a successful season begin to play out.
On offense, Junior Trey Hines appears to be the leading candidate to take over at running back, while 2005 could prove to be a career year for junior receiver Jason Tomlinson, who led the Midshipmen with 273 yards and one touchdown last season. Tomlinson, 6'2" and 181 pounds, is a reliable player who presents an intriguing target for Owens in passing situations.
On defense, all eyes will be on cornerback Jeremy McGown, a converted safety. He is the leading returning tackler from the 2004 season.
At linebacker, junior David Mahoney, who led the Midshipmen with 5 sacks last season, is the only returning starter; he should provide a boost to the rest of the linebacker corps.
Overall, superb play from Lamar Owens is needed and the defense must slow down opposing offensive rushing attacks. For fans, this shall be an entertaining season as coach Paul Johnson and the Naval Academy look to continue the success of the 2004 season.
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