Bourdeau and Army teammates view a bowl game an old-fashioned reward as special as a fine wine

PHOTO: Javhari Bourdeau (center) with his teammates. By TOM SHANAHAN The Auto Zone Liberty Bowl Thursday afternoon in Memphis offers an contrast between independent Army with its 9-2 record facing Big 12 member West Virginia as a 5-4 team. Aside from their records and conference affiliations, does that refer to the Black Knights’ four backs in a triple-option offense facing the Mountaineers’ one-back passing attack? Yes and no. The real difference is what the athletes at Power 5…

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West Point’s ‘firstie’ right tackle completes Oceanside hat trick

PHOTO: J.B. Hunter (55). By TOM SHANAHAN James and Lulu Hunter call their son J.B. “the softie of the family.” Their term of affection is understandable only if you recognize they’re retired non-commissioned Marines. They embraced the Corps’ creed as the military’s toughest branch. J.B., though, certainly doesn’t look like a “softie” on first impression. He’s Army football’s third-year starting right tackle, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder. As for nicknames, he prefers “firstie,” the class designation for West Point seniors…

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Read more about the article McCoy leading from fullback room to end zone
McCoy football Duke

McCoy leading from fullback room to end zone

AFAN: Senior team captain says Black Knights are re-committed 'to the little things' Photo: Sandon McCoy By TOM SHANAHAN Sandon McCoy is a “Firstie” in West Point vernacular –a senior. In other words, hard work is nothing new. So, let his first quote to me sink in when the Black Knights fullback says this is the hardest working roster of his college career. “I haven’t seen the team work as hard as this one – ever,” said McCoy, one…

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