University of Pennsylvania Athletics

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The University of Pennsylvania sprint football team began its 2026 season with a 27-6 loss at Navy on Friday night to kick off the Coach Dupont era.
 
The Quakers were outgained 382-180 in total yards and had just 47 rush yards on 37 carries (1.3 ypc).

How It Happened
Penn's first drive of the game went nine plays and got down to the Navy 38 before the Quakers turned it over on downs. Three plays later, the Midshipmen turned it over when Penn's Hugh Maley made a terrific play to pick off a pass from Navy's Luke O'Connell at the Navy 45.

Penn drove it down 20 yards on six plays before missing a 42-yard field goal, keeping the game scoreless. Navy would break the scoreless streak shortly after that with a 63-yard touchdown pass from O'Connell to Andrew Daly. Navy took a 7-0 lead into quarter two.

The Quakers went three and out in their first pair of second quarter possessions before the Midshipmen grinded out a seven-play, 54-yard drive to go up 14-0 on a one yard touchdown run from Hunter Gennicks. Navy would force another Penn punt before ending the half on an efficient four-play, 86-yard drive capped off with an Ibi Denson 30-yard touchdown to go into halftime up 21-0.

In their first drive of the second half, Navy drove down in four plays for another touchdown. Broderick Freeman scampered for a 19-yard score to put the home team up 27-0 just two minutes into the third quarter.

After exchanging punts, Penn defensive back Josh Johnson ended a Navy drive with an interception in the endzone. The Quakers kept the momentum going, using a 14-play, 80-yard drive capped off with John Franchini touchdown toss to Andy Falletta to break the shutout.

Quaker Notemeal
*Andy Falletta posted career-highs in catches (8) and yards (80). He caught his fourth touchdown of his career and first of the season.
*Freshman John Franchini made his debut at quarterback, tossing a touchdown pass and throwing one interception. He was 11-20 for 94 yards.
*Hugh Maley tallied his third career interception tonight. He also had eight tackles, good for second on the team.
*Josh Johnson posted his 10th career interception.
*Collin Cross paced the defense with 13 tackles, the second-most he's had in a game in his career (16 last year vs. Cornell).
 
Up Next
The Quakers go to St. Thomas Aquinas for a game on Friday, Sept. 25. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
 
For the latest on Penn sprint football, follow @PennSprintFB on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, and on the web at PennAthletics.com.