New Hampshire families embrace Army-Navy rivalry ahead of game Saturday – WMUR Manchester

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Two New Hampshire families living across the street from each other are having a little fun with an age-old rivalry as their sons make the choice to serve our country.
The Army-Navy football matchup dates back more than 100 years, and this weekend will be the first time the game has ever been played in New England.
Carl Schoenbucher has lived across the street from the Fillion family for nearly two decades.
His son is attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.
And when Mike and Tracy Fillion’s son joined the United States Military Academy at West Point, a rivalry was born.
“He left and said, this is where I’m going to go,” Tracy Fillion said. “And so, we just been supportive, and it’s a little scary, but just you think of the sacrifices that they both are making, and I’m just super proud.”
“I wish Gus was here right now,” Schoenbucher said. “He’s currently underway on a ship in his third year to sea cruise. He’s out supporting the military in the Far East.”
The rivalry stands no chance of overshadowing the pride these families feel and the bond they’ve shared over the years.
“The lake has always been home base, and Carl and Gus, for the last 17 years, have been great neighbors,” Tracy Fillion said.
They’re looking forward to getting to see the game played for the first time in New England.
“The camaraderie the military academies and out there for one day fighting each other where the rest of the year they’re working together to protect our country,” Schoenbucher said.
But at the end of the day, the flag outside their homes represents the team they’re rooting for on the field.
The game will be played at Gillette Stadium on Saturday.
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