Navy Reaches First 10-Win Season Since 1905 - Los Angeles Times
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Navy Reaches First 10-Win Season Since 1905

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From Associated Press

Aaron Polanco ran for three touchdowns and passed for another, and Navy capped the academy’s best season in 99 years with a 34-19 win over New Mexico in the Emerald Bowl on Thursday.

Polanco scored on runs of 14, one and 27 yards and completed a 61-yard touchdown pass to Corey Dryden, the longest of the season by Polanco and the first career score by Dryden. The Midshipmen’s defense was impressive too, on a rain-soaked field at SBC Park.

The unit forced two first-half turnovers that led to touchdowns and staged a goal-line stand late in the third quarter. Then Navy kept the ball for the next 14 minutes 26 seconds, and held New Mexico to seven plays in the fourth quarter.

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The Midshipmen (10-2) tied for the most wins in school history, last accomplished when Navy went 10-1-1 in 1905. It was a fitting end for the Midshipmen, some of whom will head off to war in the coming year.

Polanco finished the season with 16 rushing touchdowns, the most by a quarterback this year. Polanco gained a Navy bowl record 136 yards on the ground for his fourth 100-yard rushing game, threw for 101 yards and even caught a 17-yard pass from Frank Divis to set up his second touchdown. His two receptions were most by any Navy player.

New Mexico quarterback Kole McKamey had nearly as big a day after the Lobos (7-5) lost star tailback DonTrell Moore to an injured left knee late in the first quarter.

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McKamey threw for 207 yards and rushed for 138, but also had two interceptions.

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