Air Force marches over Army in championship, 12-7

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amanda Dick
  • 86th Airlift Wing public affairs
VOGELWEH MILITARY COMPLEX, Germany --  In a good old fashioned battle of the services, the Air Force triumphed over the Army during the Kaiserslautern Military Community flag football championships Oct. 21.

The 86th Communications Squadron, "Team Comm," beat Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, "Team LRMC", 12-7 in a game so close it kept fans on their feet until the final seconds.

Starting out with the first possession, Team Comm almost lost the ball when Team LRMC went for an interception with no success. The Air Force team kept movements to short passes, but the opposing team kept their defense tight and prevented an early score.

However, once the Army team took possession of the ball, two offensive fouls mixed with heavy defense from Team Comm kept Team LRMC from scoring.

"We played solid team defense throughout the game," said Kurtis Harrison, linebacker and defensive captain for Team Comm. "Our defense helped to win the game."

Shortly after their second possession, the Air Force team scored when running back Blane Woodard ran the ball in for a touchdown, moving around each defender, after quarterback Randy McGinnis threw him a side pass.

More offensive fouls set Team LRMC back during their second possession, and as they went for a first down, Tim Fordham, Team Comm tight end, intercepted a pass to gain a third possession. They were not able to score another touchdown before the end of the half, but still went into halftime with a 6-0 lead.

As the second half began, the Army team scored early when quarterback Robert Dawson ran the ball in for a touchdown. Team LRMC then scored a conversion point, putting them in the lead 7-6.

Team Comm rallied back with a touchdown when their quarterback ran just shy of 40 yards to score, taking the lead again 12-7.

"Just like we win every game as a football team, we came together again," said Robert Latimer, Team Comm coach. "Tonight wasn't really about a trophy or about a trip to Italy to play in a championship; it was about pride and representing our service."

The Air Force team's defense was tight as the Army team took their fourth possession, and Desmond Adams, Team Comm safety, intercepted the ball.

But, the Army team was not done yet. They kept up strong defense, and as Team Comm went for a touchdown with six minutes left in the half, Cameron Hopper, Team LRMC wide receiver, intercepted the ball.

As the clock wore down, the Army team inched closer to another touchdown. The air was tense and fans held their breath, as Team LRMC got within inches of the goal line with just 37 seconds to go.

But, the Army team was no match for Team Comm's defense, and they failed to score.

"We got beat on one bomb, but other than that, we were able to successfully contain their attack offensively, including a last minute goal line stand," the defensive captain said.

The Air Force team once again took possession of the ball, keeping the lead at 12-7 and making them the KMC champions as the game ended.

Team Comm will be heading to Camp Darby, Italy, in November to represent Ramstein Air Base in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe flag football championship.

Coach Latimer said their goal in Italy will be to come back as the USAFE champions.

"We played all year to win a base championship, and we accomplished that," he said. "We're going to go down to Italy as a team and try to win a USAFE championship."

How will Team Comm accomplish that?

By keeping up their intensity and staying motivated, according to the coach. And, by working on their defense.

"Our defense as a whole needs to be tuned up a little before we head to Italy," Kurtis Harrison said. "We will work on improving our flag snatching, coverage, swarm to the ball and pass rush. As proven, our defense is the best. Now it's time to show USAFE."

While the team heads down to face another battle, their commander wants them to remember what champions they already are.

"This team has really been the most unselfish, and they've had lots of pride and professionalism," said Lt. Col. Steve Sweeney, 86th CS commander. "They showed a lot of class tonight against the Army."

And, no matter whether they win or lose in Italy, Team Comm will win or lose as a team.