The US Naval Academy capped off a 5-0 fall with a 37-17 defeat of Notre Dame College Saturday.

Navy and the Falcons were tied 17-17 just after halftime, but then Navy broke away in the second half.

Notre Dame College is a very good team, and they’re doing a good job with that program,” said Navy Head Coach Mike Flanagan. “I was impressed with them, and they will just get better. They have very good college support and access to athletes.”

Navy scored first with a try from Nick Mamureanu and another from prop CJ Burke. Notre Dame College replied with a try before Navy extended their lead with a try from Jared Stephenson, which Conor McEnerny converted to make it 17-5 just before halftime. But right after the break the Falcons scored two quick tries. Navy replied with four unconverted tries, with Stephenson and Mamaureanu getting their second, and Robbie Stephenson adding another (one more try was scored, scorer unknown).

“It was a hard match,” said Flanagan. “We gave up some points but really played smothering defense when we had to.” 

Forwards Dan Tilghman and Dan McCafferty were especially brilliant on defense.

This is the last game of the fall for Navy, which plays one or two games a month through the fall. It’s a way to keep the players in game-sharpened fettle while concentrating on conditioning and pattern of play.

It has worked nicely, with the Midshipmen scoring victories over Dartmouth (55-29), Air Force (28-0), University of Notre Dame (25-3), and Maryland (62-29). 

Navy will take the winter off and then will prepare for the Varsity Cup with a series of tough warmup games.

Notre Dame College, meanwhile, is 6-3 after beating Buffalo, University of Notre Dame, Kentucky, West Virginia, James Madison, and St. Louis University, while losing to Davenport, St. Bonaventure, and Navy.

Now the Falcons finish up their fall with an ACRC Bowl Series game Friday in Charlotte, NC against Empire Conference winners Syracuse.