Army charges to 45-27 Victory in the Army – Navy Prep School Football Game.  Reasoner Trophy presented for first time.

Ft. Monmouth, NJ, Saturday, 15Nov08

The gray skies and intermittent rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the future cadets of the USMA Class of 2013, who charged to a 45-27 decisive victory over the future midshipmen of the USNA Class of  2013 at the Annual Prep School football game at Ft. Monmouth, NJ on Saturday. 

Army scored first, early in the first quarter, and Navy came back, minutes later to tie the score at 7-7.  Army scored again, and Navy was never able to catch up.  Army took advantage of the speed and agility of its running backs and free safety to rack up the yards and put points on the scoreboard.  The Army QB did well in the passing game, also. 

Navy’s QB had a good arm, with good distance, but Army pass defense kept the Navy receivers from completing many of the long passes. 

The final score reflects the excitement of the game.  Army scored six touchdowns and a field goal, and Navy had four touchdowns, and a failed 2-point conversion.

The game also marked the first presentation of the 1LT Frank S. Reasoner Trophy to USMA Prep.  1LT (USMC) Reasoner (USNAPS’58 / USMA’62) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry near Da Nang, Vietnam.  The trophy will be awarded each year to the winner of the Army – Navy Prep School Game, and is analogous to the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the winner of the Army – Navy – USAFA football series for the Service Academies.

The Trophy was inspired by discussions between the Commanding Officer of USNAPS, Capt. L. Hart Sebring, and the Commandant of USMAPS, COL Tyge Rugenstein.  The final impetus came from COL (USMC Ret) John “Rip” Ripley, USNAPS’58 / USNA’62, with members of USMA’62; and was accomplished in the last weeks before Ripley’s unexpected death.  Members of the USNAPS’58 class matched a generous donation from an anonymous USMA’62 graduate to create the trophy and deliver it to the game.

At the presentation ceremony, USNAPS’58 / USNA’62 were represented by LtCdr. Barry Ketner; and USMA’62 by John Fee and COL (Ret) Bill Dieal.

Photos all from Bill Dieal