The rivalry of the Army- Navy game dates back to Nov. 29, 1890 when the Army accepted the Navy’s challenge and the two teams faced off against each other on the field at [the United States Military Academy at] West Point in New York.

Navy walked away victorious from that match, but Army would have many chances to redeem themselves. Since that first game, the Army and Navy have met in battle 109 times. The current record has Navy in the lead with 53 wins to Army’s 49 wins and seven ties between the two teams.

Traditionally played in early December, the game is the last of the season for both academies and therefore, a culminating event for both teams. For most of the seniors or “first classmen” as they are called, it will be the last time they ever play.

In addition to pride and bragging rights, the Commander in Chief ’s trophy is also on the line. The Commander in Chief’s trophy is awarded to the victor of the inter-service competitions between the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. At the end of the season, the trophy goes to the academy which has defeated the other two. In the event of a tie, the trophy stays with the academy which currently holds it. Navy has had the trophy since 2002.

This year, the [110th Army-Navy football] game will take place Dec. 12 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. So warm up the grills, tape those kegs, and grab your favorite Army-Navy paraphernalia because Fort Gordon will be celebrating this friendly clash between warriors with unparalleled ridiculousness!

The tailgater will start at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12 at Engineer Field (across from Burger King and Huddle House). The local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Army-Navy game will be held at 11 a.m. there. This will be a post-wide event with the Post All-Star Army and All-Star Navy teams playing each other at noon.

There will be burgers, brats and hotdogs along with all of your favorite tailgating foods. There will also be rides and games for the kids as well the adults. DIRECTV will be providing large screen televisions to watch the official Army-Navy game which kicks off at 2:30 p.m. [Eastern Standard Time].

The Marines will be there collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots program. The mission of the Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute as Christmas gifts to needy children in our community.

Feel free to bring a toy to the tailgater to support the Marines and the children in our community.

On Dec. 12 remember to head out to Engineer Field and support your local Army-Navy teams and pick up some free food and fun.

In the spirit of the holidays, bring a toy, and in the spirit of football, bring your game face.