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Philadelphia • With perfection at stake, Keenan Reynolds ended his Navy career with a clean sweep against Army.

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo might leave the academy the same way.

Reynolds rushed for two touchdowns and threw for another score to lead the No. 21 Midshipmen to their 14th straight win over the Black Knights, 21-17 on Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field.

"That was the No. 1 goal," Reynolds said. "To be able to be here four years and never lose against Army, that's huge."

Reynolds' second rushing TD was his 85th career score, the most for any FBS or FCS Division I player. Hoist that broom to the mast: Reynolds is the first QB to go 4 for 4 in a classic rivalry that began in 1890.

Niumatalolo improved to 8-0 against the Black Knights two days before he is set to visit BYU to talk about the program's coaching vacancy.

Niumatalolo, the winningest coach in Navy history, seemed focused with "Damn The Torpedoes" stitched on the back of his hat. But he had much more on his mind than beating Army (2-10) again.

He could leave after eight seasons to follow his heart and his religion to BYU.

"We're an institution, and we're certainly a football program, that's steeped in team and not about 'me.' All of a sudden, it's become about that," Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said.

Niumatalolo danced — he at least tried to — in the locker room as players circled him and hollered in celebration.

He choked back tears discussing his faith-based decision to visit BYU. Niumatalolo is a Mormon who went on a two-year mission following his freshman year at the University of Hawaii.

"It's been my life," at Navy, he said. "My kids have grown up here. I've given everything for his program."

Niumatalolo tied former Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik (8-8-2) for most wins in the series.

A three-touchdown favorite, Navy had it tougher than usual in one of the most storied rivalries in college sports.

Army coach Jeff Monken showed his program might be closing the gap on Navy — but blew any chance of an upset in the fourth.

Daniel Grochowski missed a 29-yard field goal early in the quarter. Chris Carter lost a fumble at the Navy 34 that was recovered by linebacker Ted Colburn. Navy (10-2) had two interceptions — one off a trick play — on two straight drives to preserve the lead. Army's Hail Mary on the final play of the game fell short.

"That's our job at West Point, to build those warriors," Monken said. "I'm absolutely positive we've got a room full of guys in there that are going to find a way to win."

Reynolds, the game's MVP, showed why he was a late contender for Heisman Trophy consideration. Reynolds, the only player in team history with two 1,000-yard rushing and passing seasons, put the Mids up 21-17 with a 50-yard TD pass to Jamir Tillman late in the third.

Roger Staubach, who won the 1963 Heisman Trophy at Navy, said he cast his vote for Reynolds.

Reynolds has a 31-13 career record as a starter and he is Navy's career leading rusher.

Army's season ended with the loss. Navy plays Pittsburgh (8-4) in the Dec. 28 Military Bowl at Annapolis.

Navy leads the series 60-49-7. —

No. 21 Navy 21, Army 17

Army 10 7 0 0 — 17

Navy 7 7 7 0 — 21

First Quarter

Army • FG Grochowski 32, 8:31.

Navy • Reynolds 58 run (Grebe kick), 7:58.

Army • Campbell 29 run (Grochowski kick), 4:10.

Second Quarter

Navy • Reynolds 1 run (Grebe kick), 12:18.

Army • E.Poe 39 pass from Carter (Grochowski kick), 2:08.

Third Quarter

Navy • Tillman 50 pass from Reynolds (Grebe kick), 5:51.

Attendance • 69,722.

Army Navy

First downs 16 11

Rushes-yards 44-137 41-199

Passing 208 113

Comp-Att-Int 9-18-2 6-14-0

Return Yards 53 1

Punts-Avg. 6-43.0 11-42.6

Fumbles-Lost 3-1 1-0

Penalties-yards 2-28 3-25

Time of Possession 32:43 27:17

Individual Statistics

Rushing • Army, Kemper 7-38, Campbell 4-36, Drake 2-19, Carter 22-18,

Asberry 5-15, Black 2-6, Giachinta 2-5. Navy, Reynolds 21-136,

C.Swain 15-62, Ezell 2-4, Sanders 1-3, Romine 1-(minus 2),

Team 1-(minus 4).

Passing • Army, Carter 9-15-1-208, Bell 0-1-1-0, Langdon 0-1-0-0,

White 0-1-0-0. Navy, Reynolds 6-14-0-113.

Receiving • Army, E.Poe 5-121, Bell 2-45, Campbell 1-35, Black 1-7.

Navy, Tillman 5-102, D.Brown 1-11.