Navy’s 17-10 victory over Army on Saturday extended the Midshipmen’s series-record winning streak over the Black Knights to 13 in a rivalry that’s spanned 115 years.
But the game, played before a crowd of 70,935 at M&T Bank Stadium, is more than just tackling and touchdowns.
It’s two schools whose students will all have the same job upon graduation: defending our country.
“These are two teams who beat each other up, shake hands and then in a year they go and protect our country – it’s a cool deal,” Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “Our country is in good hands with these kids from both schools.” Here’s a look at the day through pictures
The entire 4,000 member brigade took formation on the field at M&T Bank Stadium before Army’s Cadets did the same thing before the school’s football teams met for the 115th time. (Jon Gallo)It’s called “Prisoner Exchange.” Before the Army-Navy game, the Army and Navy students who participated in the exchange program where they took classes at the rival institution are returned to their school during a ceremony at the 50-yard line. (Jon Gallo)Navy and Army students take pride in making fun of each other throughout the Army-Navy game. (Jon Gallo)The message for the Midshipmen was made clear by fans before the game. (Jon Gallo)Three skydivers from the Army and three from the Navy were part of the pregame attractions. (Jon Gallo)Of course the football for the Army-Navy game was delivered by skydivers. (Jon Gallo)Navy’s goats were fed well throughout “Amerrica’s Game.” (Jon Gallo)Navy’s goats had to be pleased with the Midshipmen’s performance on Saturday. (Jon Gallo)Army’s cadets never gave up hope on a day where the Black Knights lost to the Midshipmen for the 13th straight time. (Jon Gallo)Would it be an Army-Navy Game without the Grinch in the stands at M&T Bank Stadium? (Jon Gallo)Navy wore new “Don’t Tread On Me” helmets against Army. (Jon Gallo)Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds’ 1-yard plunge with 12:07 remaining was the difference in a 17-10 win. (Jon Gallo)Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo, who replaced Paul Johnson at the end of the 2007 season, became the school’s all-time winningest coach on Saturday with a record of 56-35, topping the mark set by George Welch (55-46-1) from 1973-1981. Navy’s been playing football for 133 years. (Jon Gallo)When the game was over, the teams convened at south end zone, where the brigade of Midshipmen was seated next to West Point cadets. Following tradition, players and fans sang the U.S. Military Academy’s official song “The Army Goes Rolling Along” first since Army lost before breaking into “Navy Blue and Gold,” Navy’s official song. (Jon Gallo)Punter Alex Barta, left, safety Shakir Robinson, middle, and receiver Thomas Wilson were just a few of the players who celebrated with the brigade following Navy’s 17-10 win over Army on Saturday. ( Jon Gallo)Navy kicker Austin Grebe, left, and Pablo Beltran were embraced by their Midshipmen after a 17-10 win over Army at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jon Gallo)
Jon Gallo is an award-winning journalist and editor with 19 years of experience, including stints as a staff writer at The Washington Post and sports editor at The Baltimore Examiner. He also believes the government should declare federal holidays in honor of the following: the Round of 64 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament; the Friday of the Sweet 16; the Monday after the Super Bowl; and of course, the day after the release of the latest Madden NFL video game.
