Brothers in Arms: Tallahassee servicemen, women enjoy the passion and banter of Army-Navy Game

There are rivals and then there's the Army-Navy Game.

This contest goes beyond Xs and Os, team colors and regional borders.

It's a historic college football game that touches the nation along with a host of servicemen and women overseas.

Saturday marks the 122nd edition of this iconic gridiron matchup between the Army Black Knights and Navy Midshipmen. The two service academies square up at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. at 3 p.m.

Navy leads the all-time series with a 61–53–7 record. This mark was boosted by its run of 14 in a row from 2002-15.

Army-Navy in Tallahassee

Tallahassee is a city that loves college football and rivalry games.

Local fans from Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman don't hold back when it comes to dismissing one another at the Florida Classic. The same goes for area residents regarding Florida State versus Miami or Florida State-Florida.

This same high energy level is applicable for those in the military for the Army-Navy Game.

The hometown epicenter of this feud is the recruiting office. Both branches share a divided suite on Pensacola Street.

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At this venue, they handle essential matters. But this week, the workload was mixed with service duties and football.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Firas Warrad is a Florida fan. He loves his brothers in arms just like the Gators. However, for three hours on Saturday, he gives his Army brethren a mouthful.

"This is the biggest game of the year for the branches. We talk smack out of good sport. It's a camaraderie," Warrad said.

"We're going to win this year. I have confidence in my boys. Go Navy, Beat Army. Navy is going to win 27-7."

On the flip side, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeffery Robinson provides an equal amount of banter for the Black Knights.

He shares a deep passion for the game and the grand display of pageantry. There's also some extra pep in his step. Army has won four of the last five meetings.

"For 364 days of the year, we're brothers. But for that one day, the Navy becomes our little sister," Robinson said.

"Once Army is victorious, on Monday, we try to get here as early as possible so we can be prepared to talk about us winning the game."

It's a sports and military dream of both men to attend the Army-Nave Game in person.

While they've yet to witness the action in the stands, they have enjoyed the experience of watching the clash outside the country.

This vibe serves as a connector to life back stateside.

The atmosphere is loud like a stadium or sports bar. Soldiers and sailors are glued to the TV while screaming over turnovers and touchdowns.

Some have taken it further with flag football games to add a layer to the rivalry.

"I've been in Germany and Korea. Everything is magnified 10 times. Everybody's watching the game and it gets crazy. Our Navy counterparts are stationed with us. Sometimes on Fridays, we'll play flag football to mimic the Army-Navy Game," Robinson said.

Warrad's international viewing once included pulling for the Midshipmen hundreds of miles away from the coastline.

"It's 100% a big deal. I've been on an aircraft carrier with 5,00 people in the middle of the ocean. There are guys who are Alabama and Georgia fans. But we're together rooting for Navy," Warrad said.

Army-Navy: Inside the Numbers

Both teams are polar opposites with their output in 2021.

Army is 8-3 and riding the momentum of a four-game winning streak.

Following its 21-14 victory in overtime versus Air Force on Nov. 6, the Black Knights of the Hudson posted double-figure scores over Bucknell, UMass and Liberty.

Both teams run the option with their offensive strategies.

Tyrell Robinson, Christian Anderson and Tyhier Tyler have each surpassed 500 yards rushing for the season. Robinson is a running back. Anderson and Tyler play quarterback.

Army's primary signal-caller is Anderson. He's completed 21 of 44 passes for 545 with five touchdowns and zero interceptions.

Linebacker Arik Smith anchors the defense. His totals include 67 tackles and two sacks.

The Black Knights will close out the season on Dec. 22 against Missouri in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

Navy is 3-8 this season. Its wins were over Central Florida, Tulsa and Temple.

Fullback Isaac Ruoss leads the MIdshipmen with 608 yards and five scores.

Quarterback Tai Lavatai has thrown for 367 yards and five touchdowns on 30 of 55 passes. He also has two interceptions.

Senior linebacker Diego Fagot of Fort Lauderdale has 85 tackles with a forced fumble and fumble recovery for the Midshipmen.

In 2020, Army won 15-0 in a game played at West Point.

Follow FAMU beat writer Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Army-Navy Game: Tallahassee servicemen, women ready for the rivalry