Navy at Air Force In Photographs: Part 1

Well, I just got back from Colorado Springs, and may I say the long trip was definitely worth it. It was my first time at Falcon Stadium (more on that tomorrow), and I was very fortunate to have the amazing photographic skills of my father along with me. Here are some images he snapped from Navy's 24-17 win over Air Force...

If you look up "wrecking ball" or "hit stick" in the dictionary, chances are you'll see Adam Ballard's picture. The 6'1, 230 lb fullback was a monster for the Midshipmen on Saturday, rushing 27 times for 134 yards. He's now well on his way to 1000 yards on the year.

Don't get me wrong, I think Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney is a good player, but Navy's defense really made him look mediocre on Saturday. Carney had only 57 yards on the ground, and was 9-19 for 119 yards through the air. Still, he's one of the most elusive quarterbacks in all of college football.

Brian Hampton struggled early in the game, although the blocking didn't help much. Air Force's defense did a good job of swarming to the ball, although they couldn't prevent Navy's leading rusher from piling up 105 yards.

Whenever Navy needs a yard or two, they almost always go to this play. The amazing thing is that the defense knows it's coming, but still can't stop it. It's a testament to solid blocking up front and a very tough to bring down quarterback.

Air Force was third in the country in rushing yards coming into this game, yet "only" managed 193 yards on the ground. Here slotback Chad Hall (12 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD) takes an option pitch for a first down.

More tough running by Hampton, although this time with much better blocking. Great block by 5'11 Antron Harper and Adam Ballard to spring Hampton on this play.

More of "Bulldozer" Ballard. It takes more then one linebacker to wrap this guy up.

This is a great shot of Air Force's recovery of the onside kick with about 3:00 left to go in the game. After watching more and more onside kicks this season around college football, I'm convinced it's one of the more difficult to defend plays in the entire game.

That's all for now. I've got another batch of photos for tomorrow, including a little tour of Falcon Stadium. All photos were taken by Dan Nettina.