Can New Gloucester residents overcome their differences? When it comes to the Army-Navy football rivalry, maybe not.
For 20 years, Ron Doucette estimates, he and Phil Vampatella have posted dueling signs across Intervale Road, as the Army-Navy game approaches. Each can clearly see the other’s sign from his house and driveway.
The contest isn’t simply about bragging rights: a six-pack is on the line. It’s not so much the beer, Phil Vampatella explains, as the humiliation of having to walk that six-pack across the road to the victor. During the game, phone calls zip back and forth, with crowing and taunting as appropriate.
Doucette served 30 years in Army Logistics, Vampatella six years as a Navy pilot, and their mutual affection and respect shine through. Even so, Pat Vampatella claims with a laugh that Ron Doucette still can’t get over the fact that Phil borrowed Ron’s sledgehammer to put up that very first Go Navy sign. Doucette promptly responded with his Go Army banner.
And so it’s gone ever since. This year Vampatella’s sign went up the day after Thanksgiving and Doucette’s within hours after that.
The game traditionally kicks off on the second Saturday in December – December 10 this year – hence the signs’ timing. Navy has the edge in overall series wins: 62 to 53 (there have been seven incomprehensible ties).
Also in keeping with tradition, Army-Navy apparently inspires plenty of betting, “tens of millions of dollars” last year, according to ESPN. That’s in addition to at least one six-pack we know of.
How will this year’s game turn out? Maybe what matters more than who wins is the bond of a shared rivalry.
Then again, maybe not. “Do you need a quote from me?” Ron Doucette asks. “Go Army!”
— Joanne Cole
