Army defensive back Gervon Simon has never played against Navy, and hes a senior. Even if he doesnt get his first chance on Saturday when the archrivals meet in Baltimore, hes more than ready for what will be the biggest football game of his life.This is the most excited Ive been and the most confident Ive felt in our team in all four years, Simon said. I dont think there needs to be any more motivation. As a team, we understand the significance of this game.Army coach Jeff Monken is in his third year at West Point, and he marvels at the passion of players like Simon, whose Army resume is scant. Simon, also a member of special teams, has played in only four games this season and has assisted on two tackles. Those are the only four games Simon has played in his Army career.When you consider that Simon was a standout quarterback in high school in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and that his father, Geroy, was a star receiver at Maryland and one of the most decorated players in Canadian Football League history, you understand why Monken heaps praise on this senior class.They decided that it was time for us to get it done, Monken said. Theyve worked tirelessly. Tough, resilient, hard-working group of guys that believe in each other. No matter whats come our way, they found a way to claw back and come back the next week and prepare for the next day.What a great example for the young guys coming behind them. I hope this is only just the beginning.Army (6-5) is in sort of rarefied air for a program thats been down and out for the past two decades. With a date in a bowl game this month, the Black Knights have a chance to post only their second winning season since 1996.First things first, though, for the firsties (seniors) -- stopping the 14-game winning streak fashioned by Navy (9-3) in the series.It feels good being able to go to a bowl game, but definitely not thinking about that right now, senior linebacker Jeremy Timpf said.We need to get it done, added Simon. Theres no substitute for it at the end of the day. We need to win. Thats it.That streak-ending victory nearly came a year ago with freshman quarterback Chris Carter playing in only his second game for Army. A Hail Mary on the final play of the game fell short and the Midshipmen held on for a 21-17 triumph in Philadelphia.And so its been another 362 days -- and counting -- of the same dialogue, the same mindset that is everywhere at West Point.Theres no other program that wants to beat the other academy (as Army does), said Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, a star at Army who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan and won a Bronze Star before getting a chance to play in the NFL. You say `Beat Navy! a thousand times a day at the academy. You say it when you salute somebody. It gets ingrained.It sucks to lose to Navy, but its for school pride, Villanueva said. We beat Navy in basketball, we beat Navy in rugby, we beat Navy in other sports. You love that. But football is one of those things we havent won in a long time.Monken, a former assistant at Navy, has placed his imprint on the Army program, and its trending up. A victory over Navy would be another step in the right direction.It would mean a lot to the program, Simon said. Itll mean so much going forward and bring momentum for the years to come -- to be able to change the result this year and get the win. The culture has changed so much from my first year here to now. Its a better culture.Regardless of the outcome, theres always one constant for the players.I think Army is on the right path, but football is never a priority in the hearts and minds of a player. It wasnt for my class, said Villanueva, who graduated from West Point in 2009. The last time we played Navy, we lost and obviously it sucks, but immediately after I pulled off my cleats II said, `My career in the Army is the one thing that takes (precedent).My heart was on serving after getting done with four years at the academy. It was never going to the academy to play football.---AP Sports Writers Dave Ginsburg in Baltimore and Will Graves in Pittsburgh contributed.---More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25Roy White Yankees Jersey . Note: The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday that Sean Monahan would not be made available to Canadas World Junior team. Mickey Mantle Jersey . Vokoun departed practice on Saturday morning after discovering swelling in his thigh. He was taken to a local hospital where the clot was revealed. The club announced the surgery following a 5-3 exhibition loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. https://www.cheapyankees.com/1351g-derek-jeter-jersey-yankees.html .com) - The Montreal Canadiens embark on their first road trip of the season as they head out west to battle the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. Joe Pepitone Jersey . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. Ryan Dull Yankees Jersey . -- The Bishops Gaiters are showing they belong among the countrys top varsity football teams. Port Adelaides decision to drop veteran forward Jay Schulz doesnt mean his AFL days are numbered, coach Ken Hinkley says.Schulz has been left out of Saturdays clash against Brisbane at the Gabba after struggling to make an impact in recent weeks.The 31-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has managed just five games this season after undergoing back surgery in April.Hinkley says there shouldnt be too much read into his omission.Jays come off a really limited preparation, Hinkley said.We just think were asking him to do something at the moment thats just a little bit outside of his reach. Physically, hes not able to compete at the AFL level the way hed like.A couple of weeks away from that may make the difference for him and may help him come back and play a couple of games for us this year.Hinkley said the absence of Schulz and injured spearhead Charlie Dixon would present a golden opportunity for fringe forwward John Butcher to show his worth.ddddddddddddHe described 25-year-old Butchers survival last year as the perfect example of why list management decisions could not be rushed.Johns ability to play the last four games the way he did probably extended his career with us and hes got another opportunity again this week, Hinkley said.Theres five games to go.You could have someone come out and play the best five games theyve ever played and the decision could change.Theres always something that can surprise you.With Port three wins shy of eight-placed North Melbourne and almost certain to miss the finals, Hinkley said he would look to the sides fringe players to show their worth.The Power have recalled young midfielder Karl Amon and defender Nathan Krakouer to replace Schulz and Kane Mitchell (omitted). 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