Social media reacts to Anton Hall Jr.’s heartbreaking fumble in Navy double-OT loss to Army
Both Army and Navy knew only one team could walk away victorious from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
That team ended up being Army, which took advantage of a Navy turnover in overtime — the first OT in this historic rivalry — to edge the Midshipmen 20-17. Unfortunately, the player whose turnover led to the Black Knights’ victory felt the sting of this loss more than his teammates.
Sophomore quarterback Anton Hall Jr. had a chance to give the Midshipmen a lead in the second overtime period, but instead of scoring, Hall fumbled on third-and-goal from the 2, with Army recovering.
VONTEL!!!! LEATHER REPAIR!!!! CHAOS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1Co9MmnRnS
— 𝗙𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗢 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗗𝗡𝟳𝟳 (@FTBeard7) December 10, 2022
MORE: Field goal delivers Army win in rivalry’s first overtime game
The Black Knights did not waste the opportunity. It used the ensuing drive to set up a 39-yard Quinn Maretzki field goal:
THE KICK IS GOOD.
ARMY WINS IT IN OVERTIME. pic.twitter.com/A3HKrpOUz3— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 10, 2022
Army’s ecstasy was Hall’s agony. Hall was shown collapsing in grief on the sidelines as teammates and coaches consoled him. Considering that’s how Navy’s season ended (neither the Midshipmen nor the Black Knights are eligible), Hall won’t have another game to focus on to help him get off turnovers faster not recover
An earlier Hall play helped Navy take the game to overtime. He scored a 77-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, the only score from scrimmage in regulation and the longest touchdown in the history of the Army-Navy game.
ANTON SAAL IS GONE!
NAVY TAKES THE LEAD. pic.twitter.com/PU3cnALwr3— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 10, 2022
Hall finished the day with seven carries for 99 yards (14.1 yards per carry) and the lone touchdown. Teammate Xavier Arline (28 carries, 102 yards) was the only rusher in Saturday’s game that completely eclipsed Hall’s rushing.
MORE: Army vs. All-time Navy record
Navy fans and neutral observers could only sympathize with Hall following the game:
Feel terrible for Navy’s Anton Hall and that fumble. This game means so much.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 10, 2022
I’m excited for Army’s players; I’m devastated for Navy’s, especially Anton Hall, who no doubt won’t remember his 77-yard TD run, but will remember the fumble in double OT.
— John Feinstein (@JFeinsteinBooks) December 10, 2022
To Anton Hall Jr. watching that rubbish on the sidelines is gutting. He wanted it so badly. Played an instrumental role in even getting Navy to OT.
If you question how much this game means to each of them.
— Brett Gibbons (@roadtocfb) December 10, 2022
I am absolutely sick of Anton Hall.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) December 10, 2022
Man. I feel sick for Anton Hall Jr.
— Mitchell Northam (@primetimeMitch) December 10, 2022
I feel terrible for Anton Hall…from someone who fumbled on the goal line before it was despondent…this game means so much to them…but he will be a stronger person from this #ArmyNavyGame
— Rene Ingoglia (@reneingoglia) December 11, 2022
Gotta feel for Navy’s Anton Hall. So emotional after the game.
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) December 10, 2022
So much to love about the #ArmyNavyGame. I find myself in awe of all these kids and how they revel in victory.
But seeing Anton Hall kick that last FG was just gut wrenching.
It’s their Super Bowl, and if you don’t get it, then order a new soul from Amazon
— Michael Collins (@MCFanSided) December 10, 2022
