Photos show why Army-Navy is the greatest college football rivalry on Earth

On December 9, the US Naval Academy and US Military Academy football teams will meet on the gridiron for the 118th time. It is an annual game — and rivalry — steeped in tradition.

Amy Cadets and Navy Midshipmenplayed the first Army-Navy football game in 1890 at West Point, launching one of the most unique rivalries in college sports. Though fiercely competitive, the players participate in rituals, like singing the alma maters of both schools and swapping "prisoners" (students who spend a semester at the other school), as a sign of solidarity.

These photos, including some taken by a former student of the Naval Academy (Midshipman Second Class Jeffrey Martino), show why Army-Navy is the greatest football rivalry on Earth.

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