Philadelphia, PA. - The press conference for the 118th Army-Navy Game presented by USAA was held Wednesday morning at the Lincoln Financial Field.
The Army West Point football team was represented by head coach Jeff Monken, athletic director Boo Corrigan, quarterback Ahmad Bradshaw and John Voit.
The Navy football team was represented by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, athletic director Chet Gladchuk, and seniors DJ Palmore and Darryl Bonner.
The two teams spoke with various media about their preparation for the annual historic battle between the two academies.
Army West Point Head Coach Jeff Monken
(Ref.: on playing the game in Philadelphia)
"It's such a neat experience to be here. Well over 80 of the games have been in Philadelphia so it's very much a tradition to play the game here and I like that. I think Philadelphia really embraces this game. It feels like when you are here, that the Army-Navy game belongs here. I am excited to be here, but we can go play at a parking lot across the street because I know our guys are going to play hard and their guys are going to play hard. It's going to be a great battle and I know no matter where we played it, a lot of people would show up. The opportunity to be here in Philadelphia in front of a city that loves Army-Navy is pretty special."
(Ref.: on Jay Bateman's job with the defense over the years)
"There's no question. Jay is an outstanding football coach. We have a great defensive staff that works really hard. Jay works really hard at his job and tries to find ways to defend whoever it is we play, whether it's Air Force or Navy. The bottom line is the execution of the plan. The kids have to be able to execute that plan. I think he gives them a simple enough plan that they can understand and execute it. But, also complex enough that we're not sitting there like lawn deer where people can just pick us out and block us.
"We're not the most athletic, fastest or biggest team most weeks that we play. I know Ken (Niumatalolo) would tell you the same thing about his team. They're as long, as big, and as athletic as they've ever been at Navy. They've got a great looking football team. We are not like that. We have to mix enough things up on defense and kind of be like how we are on offense, where we do something different than everyone else to give ourselves a chance and I think that's what Jay has done. But, our kids have to execute it. Most of the time we've done pretty well. Last time out against North Texas though, they scored 52 points in regulation. That's a lot of points. There's times we don't do it very well."
Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo
(Ref.: on playing steadily in Philadelphia and being able to return)
"You know we love playing here. The stadium has been good to us during this game. We are still undefeated against Army here… We love coming here and the city of Philadelphia has been great to us. The stadium brings back good memories. We love coming here as a football program and appreciate the hospitality we receive."
(Ref.: on the winning streak and the agony of defeat from last year)
"You never want to lose, but you definitely never want to lose to your rival. I think they talked about the burden on both sides have been lifted. We always talk about the game and that is all we can focus on. The games in the past don't have any bearing on this year. We have to get ready for 2017 Army and that has always been our approach."
Ahmad Bradshaw, Army Senior Quarterback
(Ref.: on breaking the streak last year and carrying the momentum forward)
"It is just like any other game. Coach always talks about making it not a good season, but a great season. In order to do that we have to end victorious and get that (CIC) trophy back here."
(Ref.: on the importance of bringing home the Commander in Chief's Trophy)
"We are going to prepare like any other game, but the excitement is higher. Emotions are high with the CIC Trophy on the line so I think that is the only difference. Preparation will be the same, but the excitement level is the difference."
(Ref.: on representing the team and academy as a captain)
"It means a lot to me to represent the institution and our teammates. John and I take pride in being able to represent each other and our brothers."
John Voit, Army Senior Defensive Lineman
(Ref.: on confidence level from last year's win over Navy)
"It was huge. Obviously, you want to end that streak. With the game being as big as it is, knowing we beat them last year and now competing for the CIC is a big deal for our team and is extra motivation."
(Ref.: on what it means to play in this game)
"It means everything. When I was being recruited here and came to this game, it was surreal. To be able to play in my fourth game makes me excited. I can't wait to do it here in Philly where it all started for me."
(Ref.: on knowing it's your final Army-Navy game)
"It's unreal. That's my favorite part: running out of the tunnel and seeing the jets or Apache's flying over. I'm going to soak that in as much as I can."
Darryl Bonner, Navy Senior Slotback
(Ref.: on preparing the underclassmen for the Army-Navy game)
"It is the same things we have been saying already. We want to create the good habits at the beginning of the season.
(Ref.: on this being your last Army-Navy game)
"It means a lot. I am actually in a peculiar situation too. It is actually going to be my first one too. So it is pretty cool for me. I like to play in big games. I honestly don't know how I am going to feel. I like to be as loose as possible and not tense up."
DJ Palmor, Navy Senior Outside Linebacker
(Ref.: on the importance of the game)
"It is more than just a football game. It is the same game between the white lines. It is easy to get caught up in all of the ambiance, but it is the same game we have been playing this year and since we have been six years old. That is what you need to focus on, especially if it is your first time. Emotions are running high and I try to just focus on playing the game. Even with all of the other stuff going on, the first part of winning is focusing on the game."
(Ref.: on America's Game and everyone coming together)
"That is one amazing thing about it. It is the one time we can compete against these guys because off the field we are brothers in arms. This is the pinnacle of the Army-Navy competition for me."