Navy vs. William and Mary Annapolis, MD, September 26, 1936

The Navy vs. William and Mary football game in 1936 was a notable contest in the annals of college football, showcasing the fierce competitiveness and evolving tactics of the era. Played on September 26, 1936, at Thompson Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, the game drew significant attention due to the strong reputations of both teams. Navy, under the leadership of coach Tom Hamilton, faced off against the William and Mary Tribe, under head coach Branch Bocock.

The game was marked by a dynamic display of football prowess from both sides, but it was Navy that ultimately dominated the field. Utilizing their superior physical conditioning and strategic depth, Navy executed a series of well-coordinated plays that overwhelmed William and Mary. The Midshipmen’s offense was particularly effective, with a powerful running game complemented by precise passing, which kept the Tribe’s defense on its heels throughout the match. Navy’s defense was equally impressive, including the pass interception shown in this photo, stifling William and Mary’s offensive efforts and preventing them from gaining any significant momentum.

Navy’s 18-6 victory in this game provided a solid opener for their 1936 season in which they ultimately finished 6-3, including a 7-0 win versus Army in Philadelphia. The game also served as a learning experience for William and Mary, whose 1936 season record of 1-8 saw only one win against Guilford with a score of 38-0. For Navy, the win was a morale booster and a testament to their rigorous training and tactical acumen, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in college football during that period.