During this time of the year college football fans speak of the game. When those fans speak of the game they usually mean Ohio State versus Michigan. This year that game was cancelled which was a blessing in a year where a deadly pandemic has loomed. It was a blessing because that game was scheduled during a time when only one game is usually played. That game being the Army-Navy game.
The Army-Navy game has been around 7 years before Michigan and Ohio State ever had a rivalry. This rivalry began in 1890 when Navy blanked Army 24-0 and Navy holds the lead in wins as well.
Today despite the pandemic that rivalry continued with Army beating Navy 15-0 with Army’s first Black football player, Gary Steele, being the only fan besides Midshipmen and Cadets being in the stands. Those who watched saw Navy’s Billy Honaker wear number 68 and play in honor of his friend and teammate, David Forney, who died of cardiac arrest this past February.
Today’s game was America’s game. It was some of our best military personnel showing us their athletic ability and talent. It was a beautiful mixture of sports and the military as both have led this country in societal change. And it was a good break from the “no college football” stance during the pandemic. It was a reminder that there will be life after the pandemic and that life will have honor and dignity again.
Source: CBS Sports HQ