Army vs Navy Football 2008 "I'd rather watch the Detroit Lions - "NOT" (updated 12/9/08)

10/19/2008

2008

Here we go again sports fans this is now the 36th year of a rivalry that gets better each year! Unfortunately for me and cadets from West Point it has been a rough number of years on the gridiron. However, this year the cycle is changing and Army is on the march to roll over Navy in Philadelphia.

Mike the squid retired earlier this year and I'm ashamed to say it he has gone soft staying at home hooked on TV shows like "Nash Bridges" and OMG "Ellen." Where in contrast I watch reruns of "Combat" starring Vic Morrow as Sgt Saunders.
At least he should watch McHales Navy!!

Updated 11/24/08
Army has not won since 2001!

Army-Navy Game Scores 1890-2007

Games played: 108 Army Wins: 49 Navy Wins: 52 Ties: 7

Mike/Greg Started Betting in 1972 while in service - 36 years!
1972 – 2007

NAVY – 21 – 14 - 1
ARMY – 14 – 21 – 1

Last Update Before the Game ( Update 11/30/08)

Uh- Oh when I look at the teams each has played I could be in big trouble. HOWEVER, any team that loses to Notre Dame this year can’t be that good!

ARMY - 3- 8

Date Opponent Result
Aug. 29 Temple L 7-35
Sep. 6 New Hampshire L 10-28
Sep. 20 Akron L 3-22
Sep. 27 at Texas A&M L 17-21
Oct. 4 at Tulane W 44-13
Oct. 11 Eastern Michigan W 17-13
Oct. 18 at Buffalo L 24-27
Oct. 25 Louisiana Tech W 14-7
Nov. 1 Air Force L 7-16
Nov. 8 at Rice L 31-38
Nov. 22 at Rutgers L 3-30
Dec. 6 Navy W 35 - 14 - MY PREDICTION

NAVY – 7 - 4

DATE OPPONENT RESULT
8/30 Towson W 41-13
9/05 @ Ball State L 35-23
9/13 @ Duke L 41-31
9/20 Rutgers W 23-21
9/27 Wake Forest W 24-17
10/04 @ Air Force W 33-27
10/18 Pittsburgh L 42-21
10/25 Southern Methodist W 34-7
11/01 Temple W 33-27 OT
11/15 Notre Dame L 27-21
11/25 @ Northern Illinois W 16-0
12/06 vs. Army L 35 - 14 My Prediction

12/09/08

I tip my hat to another great day spent with childhood friends. To those who did not make it this year we missed you, to those who we have not seen for a few years it was great to get you back and to those who have not yet attended, there is always next year.

Another butt beating by Navy and the scars just keep getting bigger each year. This year was very painful as the Army cadets did NOTHING. They did not even try to score when they were well behind. In the 4th quarter they were more concerned about getting their fullback the rushing record than they were about the game.

There is speculation the game may be pushed back a week next year to generate more national focus on the game and get a prime time start instead of noon. I'm pushing for a midnight game played in Siberia where only a few poor souls have to endure the game.




Who cares anyway? It was great seeing the boys from Saberland again and Mike and I already look forward to next year. By the way I lost the game, did not win a square (again) but did regain some funds at the poker table.

10/07/07

2007

35th Annual Army/ Navy Football Game Between Greg & Mike

If you are visiting this post for the first time scroll to the bottom and work your way up so that you can read the history of this rivalry.

I'm starting to post earlier this year because the MEN from West Point are getting in position to stomp the baby squids from the Naval Academy.

Click on the link below for some excellent music

http://www.west-point.org/users/usma1981/38405/west_point/songs/armyteam.htm

Lets look at the records so far this year. Army has played the tougher schedule and will do so for the remainder of the year:

Army at http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/teamSchedule?categoryId=86143&month=all

Navy at http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/teamSchedule?categoryId=86119

For a complete history of the games please go to http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/Armynavygames.htm

Stay Tuned Sports Fans ... The big game this year is on Saturday December 1, 2007 at Mike's House. The game starts at 12 noon (WHAT THE HECK!!!)


10/28/07

Delaware Upsets Navy 59-52
Joe Flacco threw four touchdown passes and Omar Cuff rushed for four scores to lead Delaware to a wild 59-52 upset of Navy on Saturday. The Blue Hens (7-1), one of the top teams in the Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA), rolled to 581 total yards against the Midshipmen (4-4), who play in top tier of Division I football.

Next week Army plays Air Force and Navy plays Notre Dame. In the past Mike has bet against Navy (very bad) on a football card. He actually took Army and the points hoping to win on points and the game. Not a bad strategy but that is sacrilegious. But what he has done now is inexcusable.

He has gone Irish and I have the proof.

What will he do next?


Updated 10/29/07

Is the Picture on Display?

This post is a response to MP’s comment.

For a number of years now one of the penalties for losing the game is to display the picture (below) of the winner for one year until the next game.

Needless to say Navy boy’s picture has been a staple for much too long.

The kicker is if someone that attends the games happens to stop by your house during the year and the picture is not display you must pay a $ 25.00 fine to the winner.

11/05/07
I knew it, once the squid traded his naval uniform for the Irish kilt he would jinx Notre Dame

Navy beats Notre Dame for first time since 1963

It's over. After 44 years and three overtimes. Navy finally beat Notre Dame 46-44 in triple overtime on Saturday, ending the Fighting Irish's NCAA-record winning streak against the Midshipmen at 43 games. "It's a big win for our program. It's a big win for the academy," Navy coach Paul Johnson said. "I'm happy I don't have to answer anything else about the streak every time we play."

Stan Brock (Army Coach) - please take notice because you are on a losing streak! Army lost to Air Force 30 - 10. C'mon cadets quit looking past your opponents.
11/18/07

Army loses tough game--> Tulsa 49, Army 3
The Black Knights (3-8) lost their fifth consecutive game and second in a row at home, despite totaling a season-high 491 yards of offense.

Navy beats Northern Illinois (?)--> Navy 35, Northern Illinois 24

Giving up 24 points and 355 yards doesn't usually qualify as a solid defensive performance.
By Navy standards, it was a gem. After surrendering 45, 44, 59, 44 and 62 points in their last five games, the Midshipmen forced a season-high four punts and allowed only 10 points after halftime.

Tell me who had the tougher duty? Cick to Enlarge Pic

11/22/07

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL

MIKE AND I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE AWAY FROM HOME AND LOVED ONES DURING THE HOLIDAYS. WE ARE WITH YOU ARE ALL.

11/26/07 - Rivalry Week

Everyone looks forward to this week. Calls are made and food is prepared with a target of Saturday December 1st at Noon for kick-off.

Noon is not the best starting time for this classic. We prefer a 2:00 pm est starting time which allows a few extra hours for set-up and preperation, not to mention a few of the boys like to stop off and have a pop at their favorite watering hole.

I will have my Domas prediction later this week so you all will have time to make your bets.

oohmmmmm, ohmmmm...

11/30/07

Ok, Ok The tea leaves that fell on my old Army Fatigue Jacket says ---- Ohmmmmm,

ARMY 26, NAVY - 13!

12/02/07 - I PAY AGAIN!

Navy 38 - Army - 3

Some days it just doesn’t pay to get out of bed. For the last six years the Army/Navy Game has been a day of ridicule, put downs, smart ass remarks and the loss of money. However, No game or amount of money can bring the sounds of laughter, old stories, new stories and good times on game day. It was another attendance record for the third year in a row.

This year was lively and crowded with food, drink and a surprise guest (we try to have one each year) Wally. Wally has a son who is a Master Sergeant in the Army so he brings support. In fact Wally said it best this year “This is great I will never miss another game.” Two other surprise guests (TD and Bud) from past years also made a repeat appearance.

Navy again ran over and under Army all day during this festive occasion. I even felt the sting of some horns, not from the Navy goat but a ...

Another Surprise was when Leethal pulled up in his truck with a 10-point Buck (above photo) he shot earlier in the day just before half time. I really enjoy hearing the hunting stories from the boys.

The food was great with kudos to “Pheasant Ptak” and Rudy’s Smoked Salmon.”

Special thanks to Di who has “never” forgot my birthday with a Christmas tin of my favorite cookies.

I will leave this year’s game with the hope of a win next year but the real goal is the opportunity to see my friends again all on the same day.
P/S – sometimes I feel like Newman during the game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu9fo5QXDuc

11/11/06
34th Annual Greg & Mike - 2006

Every year since 1972, the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played and witnessed by myself, squid and numerous childhood friends and family. For Mike (squid) and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.

It is also a day to remind those who attend the game that if it wasn't for Mike and me serving our great country they might be watching some Soccer game instead.

This year's Army/Navy match-up marks the 107th meeting of the two teams and the 80th game to be played in Philadelphia. The Black Knights and Midshipmen meet on the gridiron at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 2nd at Lincoln Financial Field.

I have high hopes for an Army victory this year. I need a victory. Army has lost the last 4 games in a row and 7 out of the last 10. This is not good and it is worse on my pocketbook. The game will be watched at my house this year.

The current record since 1972
Navy – 19
Army 14
1 Tie

All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 50 wins

7 Ties

MORE TO COME IN WEEKS AHEAD...

11/14/06

I'm glad Army has a warm up game this week with Notre Dame

11/20/06

Last weekend Navy beat Temple and Army "barely" loss to Notre Dame.

click pic to enlarge

This sets up the game with Army bringing in a 3-8 record and Navy with a 8-3 record. Let's not forget that Army plays a very tough schedule while Navy looks to play the Merchant Marines.

11/30/06

Every year I get the same Question How many Points are you getting? Answer - NONE as in Zero.

We don't give points, this game would not be fun if we did because most of the Navy supporters can't count or add so they would accuse Army of cheating.

I'm just about ready for the game, need to shop for the food and draw up the squares.

Prediction by Domas (that's me) - Army 28 Navy 24 (if they show up)!

December 2, 2006 - Game Morning

I must admit this is very impressive - check out the US Navy Drill Team

http://www.whc.net/rjones/USN/USN_team.html
December 3, 2006 - The Day After
What a “Stinko” Game (Navy 26, Army 14). Not just because Army lost but the lack of excitement and play calling by both teams. However, the day was a success for all that attended. As usual it was great to see so many (Grade School --> High School) friends and family (3 generations) together in the same spot at the same time. Click on pics to Enlarge.

Watching the game was as painful as listening to Rocky Reno tell us about his Kidney Stone attack Thursday Night and then to wake up to water in his basement because the Sump Pump did not work. Alas at least Rocky and I made up for our losses at the Poker Table.

Yes, I lost the game and the squares but recouped by playing cards with some of the originals (those that come every year to the game) and second-generation originals that still get schooled when playing with their superiors.

The food and drink were great and special thanks to my wife, daughter, MP and brother-in-law for helping with the food (Smoked Salmon, BBQ Ribs, Egg Rolls, Grinders, Taco Salad, Meatballs, Cheese, Buffalo Wings, Pheasant Ptak, Shrimp and of course the Fruit and Chocolate Fountain.

Until next year when we move to the Navy house thanks to all that attended. The attendance for the game is growing each year. As we grow older it always a welcome day to spend time with childhood friends and to also recognize the great job our Military personnel do for us to keep us free and safe.

A couple of ex-Saber Linebackers who could really Stick! Fat Jack & Lethal, best get out of the middle RB!

I would also like to thank the Hundreds of Blog Hits I received from around the World, especially those serving in Harms Way.

2005 Recap

Since I know you all watched the big game you already know the outcome. For those who did not, Army lost its fourth game in a row 42-23. They have also lost six out of the last seven. This is getting both humiliating and expensive.

HOWEVER, we had a geat time as always! Some new faces (TD, JD, Womper, Fat Jack, & the rest of Donoghue Brothers). It was great to see the new guys from high school show up, it was like a class reunion with all the stories being told. Hopefully, they will now join the regular crew for the annual event.

Some of us now are Retired and we have all gone in many directions (Doctor, Lawyer, Auto Workers, Executives, Millionaire, Beer Distributors, Teachers, Welders, Plant Managers, Union Officials, etc) but we will always be friends and no amount of titles, money or hardships will ever change our bond.

click to enlarge 2005 pic

Attended but Missing (BB, RB, Lawyer Man & Some of the Donoghue Clan)

Received this Email Today. I think I know this guy! Last time I saw him was in Vegas and ...

Don't worry Greg, half of the Navy team are probably Marines, and Marines are really Army guys that decided they would rather hang around sailors than be with real soldiers.

Sgt. Joe Robl
1/61st Inf.
4th Infantry Division
(Retired)

ARMY

vs NAVY WEEK - 2005



Every year since 1972 the annual Army vs. Navy Football game is played. For Mike and myself it is a rivalry that we started while I was in the Army and he was in the Navy. We both had, I mean joined the service at the same time and got discharged a few weeks apart.

It started out as a simple $5.00 bet that has been raised to its present standard. The money is not important it’s the friendship that we have for each other as well as our childhood friends who look forward to the game as much as we do each 1st Saturday in December. We now even have sons of the core attendees attending the games.

click to enlarge 2004 pic

We alternate houses each year and each of us supplies the food and drink (others also bring side dishes that consist of the wild game recently shot and caught during hunting and previous fishing seasons). Each year we try to out do the previous year with banners, posters, pictures, slogans, music, and many good-natured threats. Cards and other games take place during the game especially if it’s a blowout. We post our squares board so that all can participate and check our numbers with each time out and score.

Over the years there has been about 14 of our best friends and family who attend annually. It’s one of the few times that “we” all get together at the same time to enjoy each other’s company. Other childhood and high school friends stop by on certain years.

It is considered blasphemy to miss the game or for someone to schedule any other event on game day. A wedding planned this year was about to put a crimp in the planning but the ghosts of West Point and the Naval Academy intervened. I also made a huge mistake a few years back when I thought it would be a good idea to invite some of the wives over in the evening to keep the party going. Let me just say there will be no more women stuff on Army/ Navy Day.

I hear about it every year and it almost equals Mike betting on Army on one of his Football Tickets a few years back. No Army guy would ever do that or at least admit that he did it!

Print by Joe Ruisi and the Army/Navy festivities will go on as planned for this year.

The current record since 1972
Navy – 18
Army 14
1 Tie

All Time Record
ARMY 49 wins; NAVY 49 wins,

Who will be the "First to 50?"

True rivalries make good teams great, and great games unforgettable. Army/Navy is such a rivalry, and after 105 games in its storied history the academies now stand deadlocked at 49 wins each (with seven ties). The battle for the "First to 50" will be held December 3 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Philadelphia will be a buzz throughout the weekend, with Army/Navy activities from ship visits to Patriot Games competitions between Cadets and Midshipmen.

For more on the game and up to date news go to
http://www.phillylovesarmynavy.com/default.asp< /em>

qualityg prediction ---> ARMY 27 Navy 20.