• 
• 
• 

Anticipation for the head-to-head competition between the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis will heat up at the 11th Annual Flag Football game Wednesday at 4 p.m. on Mullins Field.

Spectators are welcome to stop by for barbecue and beverages at a pre-game tailgate party at 3 p.m. on Mullins Field that is sponsored by the West County Chamber at no charge to the public.

The game will be the last on post in advance of watching the Army and Navy fight to the finish in a match that will take place Dec. 11 at 2:40 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field, Pa.

"I will be there to represent my branch at Mullins Field," said Sgt. 1st Class Gil Lang, Equal Opportunity advisor for 1st Recruiting Brigade. "They have to play as a team and concentrate on their strengths if we're going to have a chance at winning."

One of the longest-running rivalries in college football, which originated in 1890 will once again bring fans to stand behind their pick - Midshipmen or Black Knights. In last year's game, Navy won by a score of 17-3, which brought the team to a record of 54 wins, 49 losses and seven ties.

This year, the Midshipmen have the upper hand.

"The West Point record is not looking good, but you still have to go with your team," said Sgt. 1st Class Pamela Lindberg, mobilization noncommissioned officer with First Army Division East.

Army is recovering from a 3-27 point loss to Notre Dame in the team's last game and was slated to play its final home game of 2010 on Wednesday night. West Point currently has a season record of 6-5.

Annapolis heads to Lincoln Field with an 8-3 record. Both Army and Navy lost to the Air Force earlier in the season.

"If Army wins, it's party time," Lindberg said.

Visitors to the upcoming match on post, will enjoy food, fellowship and some momentum for the big rivalry.