Reflections on a Special Game

Recently, I realized that I never did post any pics from the Army/Navy contest. It has been a few months now since my son Kodie and I attended our first service academy game. The experience was certainly everything we thought it would be. The game itself was not one for the ages, but witnessing the ceremony and tradition associated with the event was really something special. I have a great respect for the service academies as well as the sacrifices and commitments that are made by all of the cadets off the field. On the playing field, cadets exemplify qualities that are becoming less and less common in the real world of sports. Sportsmanship is part of the equation when Army plays Navy. There is a respect for the game and a sense of integrity to uphold. There are generally few penalties in these contests because the athletes possess strong discipline and excellent attention to detail.

The crowd at these games is also very enthusiastic as cadets from each academy chant and cheer throughout the game to give their team support. Kodie was mesmerized by the paratroopers who parachuted onto the playing field during pre-game. The sound of jet flyovers and the sight of cadets doing pushups after each score only added to the electricity.

The game was close most of the way as Army played with great emotion to match the superior talent of their opponent. In the end, the midshipmen were just too much for the team from West Point. Navy cruised to victory and continued their recent trend of dominating this annual football game. Navy would later prove that they were no fluke during the 2009 season by defeating the University of Missouri during their college bowl matchup.

Rare picture indeed-- An option team passing the football

Looks like a cover 2 look to me

Army's pre-game introductions

A few West Point cadets rooting on their team

America's Game

Kodie at the big game

Looking out towards the Philly skyline

Part of the pre-game festivities

Lights out.