Navy coach Niumatalolo aiming for 100th career win against rival
Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is on the verge of a major milestone, and he’d certainly love to achieve it against service academy rival Air Force.
Niumatalolo is seeking his 100th career victory, and the first leg of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy series provides an ideal opportunity.
Niumatalolo long ago surpassed the legendary George Welsh as the all-time winningest coach in Navy football history. The 13th-year mentor enters Saturday’s showdown with a 99-61 record and is looking to become the 24th active coach with 100 career wins. The 55-year-old Hawaii native would only be the sixth active coach to reach the century mark at one school.
Niumatalolo downplayed the pending accomplishment when asked about it Monday.
“It’s never about me. I’m just the head coach. It’s a program deal,” he said.
However, the Navy players understand the significance of the milestone.
“We love coach Niumat — he’s one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around,” Navy safety Kevin Brennan said. “He really cares about us and loves us, so getting that win for him would be a huge deal.”
Navy has lost its past three meetings with Air Force in Colorado Springs. Record-setting quarterback Keenan Reynolds, then a freshman, replaced an injured Trey Miller and was the catalyst the last time the Midshipmen beat the Falcons on their home field, a 28-21 overtime victory.
One of the major questions leading up to the Saturday’s showdown surrounded Air Force’s roster makeup. Head coach Troy Calhoun reportedly had as many as 40 players approved for an administrative “turnback” by the academy leadership, which allows cadets the opportunity to separate from the academy for a semester.
Air Force athletics released a depth chart Monday and it appears
Saturday’s game
Navy at Air Force, 6 p.m., CBSSN
the defense has been hit hard by turnback program. Four returning starters — linebacker Demonte Meeks, defensive end Jordan Jackson, outside linebacker Lakota Wills and cornerback Milton Bugg III — are not on the roster. Several other projected impact players on the defensive side of the ball are also not on the depth chart.
Meanwhile, the Air Force offense remains largely intact with such standout skill position players like tailback Kade Remsberg, fullback Timothy Jackson and slot receiver Brandon Lewis all available. Left tackle Parker Ferguson
and left guard Nolan Laufenberg, a pair of Outland Trophy watch list members, lead a veteran offensive line.
Air Force’s offense will be without two-year starting quarterback Donald Hammond III, who is considered a cadet not in good standing. Hammond remains at the academy and allowed to practice, but is not allowed to play in games.
Junior Warren Bryan and sophomore Haaziq Daniels are listed as co-starters on the Air Force depth chart. Freshman Ben Brittain could be in the mix as well.
Air Force Academy, after consultation with state and local public health officials, is only allowing the Cadet Wing to attend the game. Cadets will be seated in twos
(roommates) and will be socially distant and wearing masks.
Air Force was thrown a curveball last Thursday when the Mountain West Conference announced its members would play an eightgame slate this fall, reversing a decision in August to play in the spring.
Air Force originally planned to play only Navy and Army during the 2020 season, but now must also play its eight conference games beginning Oct. 24.
Navy currently has possession of the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy after beating Air Force (34-25) and Army (31-7) last season. It was the 11th time since 2003 the Midshipmen have been outright winners of the coveted piece of hardware.