Excitement Brewing For Annual Army-Navy Game

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The competition is intense. This rivalry is historic.  The Army-Navy football game is tomorrow, but before kickoff, both teams are taking part in the annual running of the ball. Baltimore City is along the route for the midshipmen.

WJZ's Amy Yensi has more on the excitement.

History, football and bragging rights.  Ahead of the Army-Navy football game, dozens of midshipmen take part in the annual running of the ball.

"It's awesome. When I see all the midshipman standing here, it gives me chills. It's very exciting," said Allison Shea Latham, midshipman 2nd class.

Running 130 miles with their team ball, from the Naval Academy in Annapolis to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

This year marks the 116th year the midshipman and Army cadets have battled it out on the gridiron.

"Leading up to the event, everyone is kind of budding heads. But at the end of the day, we're all going to be fighting together," said Riggs Dawson Jr. midshipman, 2nd class

The rivalry is exciting for the troops and spectators.

"You just feel really good about yourself because you're with your teammates and you're just having fun all together," said Franchesca Emanuel.

Tom Hergenreder says, "I have watched the army navy game every year for decades and this is on my bucket list."

People here say the Army-Navy Week Ball Run is about more than a rivalry or even football, it's about building a sense of camaraderie among the men and women of the armed forces.

Predictions aside. It's clear, the tradition lives on.

Navy has won the last 13 games in a row.  The longest winning streak in the history of the series.

Navy's record against Army stands at 59 wins, 49 losses and seven ties.