Black Knights travel west for spooky academy rivalry clash as they look to extend dominance over Falcons on All Hallows’ Eve
USAF Academy, Colorado – The spirits of academy rivalries past will haunt the Rocky Mountains this Halloween as Army West Point men’s rugby ventures into hostile territory for a Friday afternoon showdown against Air Force. With kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. MT / 5:00 p.m. ET at the USAF Academy, the Black Knights will face a gauntlet of challenges that would send shivers down the spine of any opponent: cross-country travel, oxygen-thin altitude, and a short preparation week.
But these aren’t just any warriors, they’re Army rugby players, and they’re ready to turn this Halloween matchup into a nightmare for the Falcons.
The contest, which will stream live on YouTube, comes just 24 hours before Army’s football team takes on Air Force in their own academy rivalry battle, making this a critical weekend for Black Knight athletics across all fronts.
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The Challenge: Altitude, Adversity, and Academy Pride
Head coach Matt Sherman isn’t backing down from the daunting task ahead. In fact, he’s embracing it.
“We’re looking forward to the test of an Academy match, traveling cross country, playing in altitude, and all on a short week,” Sherman said. “This challenge is a great opportunity for us to take another step forward and upward in our journey, and we’re looking forward to getting after it.”
The thin air at USAF Academy—sitting at 6,621 feet above sea level—has been known to haunt visiting teams, sapping stamina and testing cardiovascular limits. But for a team built on discipline, grit, and the warrior ethos, the Black Knights view this as just another obstacle to overcome.
Army enters the matchup riding high with a 5-1 record, fresh off three consecutive victories against Southern Virginia, Mary Washington, and Mount St. Mary’s (MD). The Black Knights have been methodical in their approach this season, combining tactical precision with physical dominance to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in collegiate rugby.
Air Force: Wounded but Dangerous
Don’t let Air Force’s 1-3 record fool you. The Falcons, members of the D1A Rocky Mountain Conference, are battle-tested and playing on their home turf—a significant advantage in the high-altitude environment. Their most recent victory over Utah on October 18 proved they’re capable of rising to the occasion when their backs are against the wall.
Playing at home on Halloween night adds an extra layer of mystique to the matchup. The Falcons will be looking to exorcise the demons of recent losses and conjure up some magic against their academy rivals.
But history is not on their side.
Haunting History: Army’s Dominance in the Series
The all-time series record reads like a horror story for Air Force: Army leads 13-2, including two consecutive victories. Last season’s 43-20 thrashing at Anderson Rugby Complex still lingers in the minds of Falcon faithful, with Noah Sanchez’s trio of tries serving as a haunting reminder of Black Knight superiority.
Army has owned this rivalry, and they’re not about to relinquish control now.
The Black Knights have built their program on the pillars of discipline, physicality, and tactical intelligence—the same principles that guide every aspect of life at West Point. When these two service academies collide, it’s more than just a rugby match; it’s a test of institutional pride, warrior spirit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Key Players to Watch
Howie Heller has been the Black Knights’ offensive catalyst this season, leading the team with 43 points. His versatility is on full display in the stat sheet: 13 conversions, four penalties, and a try. Heller’s ability to control the tempo and deliver in clutch moments makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Chance Loudenback brings the thunder with his four tries, good for 20 points and second on the squad. His speed, power, and nose for the try zone make him a constant threat every time he touches the ball. Expect Air Force to key in on Loudenback, but stopping him is another matter entirely.
The Black Knights’ success this season has been built on balanced scoring, relentless defense, and the ability to execute under pressure—traits that will be tested to the fullest in the thin Colorado air.
The Altitude Factor: A True Test of Conditioning
Playing at 6,621 feet above sea level is no joke. The reduced oxygen levels can turn even the fittest athletes into gasping shadows of themselves by the second half. Fatigue sets in faster, recovery between plays is slower, and mental sharpness can wane.
But Army’s preparation is second to none. The Black Knights train with a purpose, conditioning their bodies and minds for exactly these kinds of challenges. Sherman’s squad has faced adversity all season and emerged stronger for it. This Halloween test in the Rockies is just another opportunity to prove their mettle.
Air Force, accustomed to the altitude, will look to exploit any signs of fatigue from the visiting Black Knights. The Falcons’ game plan will likely involve a high-tempo attack designed to wear down Army’s forwards and create scoring opportunities in transition.
But if Army can weather the early storm and impose their physical brand of rugby, the altitude advantage may fade as the match wears on.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the rivalry bragging rights and the all-time series record, this match represents a critical measuring stick for Army’s season. At 5-1, the Black Knights are in prime position to make a statement in the national rugby landscape. A road victory over a conference opponent in hostile conditions would send a clear message: Army rugby is built for the big moments.
For Air Force, this is a chance at redemption. A Halloween upset over their academy rivals would inject life into their season and provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the schedule.
The stage is set, the altitude awaits, and the rivalry burns bright on All Hallows’ Eve.
Looking Ahead
Army returns home next week for a 6:00 p.m. matchup against Penn State on November 7 at Anderson Rugby Complex. The Black Knights will look to carry momentum from this road test into a critical home stand as the season enters its decisive phase.
But first, they must navigate the treacherous terrain of a Halloween showdown in the Rockies.
Black Knight News
- Tensions Boil Over At Tate Rink as Army Falls 5-1 to Holy Cross
- Army Men’s Rugby Holds Off No. 5 Mount St. Mary’s 24-15 Behind Dominant First Half
- Army Women’s Rugby Dominates Navy 84-0 in Star Game, Extends All-Time Series Record to 20-0
- Army West Point Hockey Dominates Holy Cross 5-2 in Physical Battle at Tate Rink
- Army West Point Women’s Soccer Honors Seniors with Dominant 2-0 Victory Over Loyola
Season Stats Leaders:
- Points: Howie Heller (43)
- Tries: Chance Loudenback (4)
- Record: 5-1 overall
- All-Time vs. Air Force: 13-2
Match Details
- Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 (Halloween)
- Time: 3:00 p.m. MT / 5:00 p.m. ET
- Location: USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
- Elevation: 6,621 feet
- Live Stream: YouTube
- All-Time Series: Army leads 13-2
- Last Meeting: Army 43, Air Force 20 (2024)
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