PHILADELPHIA - A half-century ago, legendary Army coach Red Blaik revolutionized college football with a formation that included positioning a flanker, Bill Carpenter, some 20 yards to the right or left of the quarterback.
Dubbed "The Lonely End," Carpenter became the sport's first true wide receiver.
Navy's Tyree Barnes might be called "The Only End."
As in the only Midshipman who has caught more than four passes this season, the only receiver on either Army or Navy whose statistics - 17 catches for 324 yards and two touchdowns - would be considered respectable for a Football Bowl Subdivision team.
The way things have gone for the two teams and their passing offenses - Navy is ranked next-to-last and Army last among FBS teams - Barnes might be the only receiver to make an impact in Saturday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
"We know that when the ball's in the air, we've got to catch it, but we also know that nine times out of 10 our block on the perimeter is going to make a huge impact on the outcome of the game," Barnes, a senior from Hampton, Va., said yesterday before the luncheon to kick off festivities for this year's game.
Barnes knew what he was getting himself into coming out of high school. Recruited as a safety, Barnes saw an opportunity to play more quickly at wide receiver. In his first game as a freshman, Barnes threw the block that led to a touchdown against Maryland at M&T Bank Stadium.
"As long as you know and realize that's your main job, to hold down a perimeter block, it's really easy to buy into it," Barnes said. "When you're at practice, you don't have to worry about catching the ball or anything like that."
Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada has empathy for what Barnes and the other wide receivers go through in the triple-option offense.
"I wouldn't say I feel sorry for them; I kind of feel bad a little bit," said Kaheaku-Enhada, who is expected to play this week after missing much of the season with a hamstring injury. "They really don't get the ball that much. But when they do get the ball, they're making big plays. It all balances out."
Barnes has made his share of big plays this season. He had a 68-yard catch and run for a touchdown at Duke and a 40-yarder to set up a touchdown against Notre Dame last month at M&T Bank Stadium.
Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said yesterday that his team's game plan for passing, if there is one, is not a big secret.
