LRS smack equals back to back

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Oshawn Jefferson
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
It had all the elements of what a championship game is supposed to be, drama, high-emotions and big plays as the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron won their second consecutive Incirlik Intramural Flag Football Championship with an 18-12 overtime victory over the 39th Contracting Squadron/Civil Engineer Squadron.

"We did what we said we were going to do, win the championship," said Benjamin Herron, 39th LRS flag football coach. "We came out here and put it down like we were supposed to and now everyone can have a happy Thanksgiving."

LRS truly showed the heart of a champion, since CONS/CES went undefeated in the playoffs LRS had to beat them twice to win the championship. LRS had previously suffered a defeat to the 39th Security Forces Squadron team before defeating them 14-7 on Nov. 13.

"We knew we were in for a fight, but we knew we had to come out and show why we were picked from the beginning to win the championship," said Sam Thomas, LRS wide receiver.

Game one played out like a tune-up game as LRS jumped out to an early 7-0 lead scoring on their first drive. LRS's defense shut down CONS/CES completely and lead 13-0 at the half. An early second half touchdown by CONS/CES quarterback Creed Miller pulled them within six points of the lead, but the LRS defense continued to put the clamps on CONS/CES to finish them off 20-7 in the first game.

"We knew the defense had to step it up," said Gilbert Brooks, LRS cornerback. "We had 'Lil Jon send that Krunk juice to us in the mail. I guess it worked."

As both teams readied themselves for the second game, CONS/CES maintained a stern focus as LRS players danced on the field to celebrate their game one victory.

"We knew that we had to step it up in the second game," said Arthur Simpson, CONS/CES wide receiver/linebacker. "We had a game plan and we were ready for them."

CONS/CES opened the second game with a renewed focus stopping LRS on their first and second offensive possessions of the game. LRS's defense responded by continuing to put pressure on the CONS/CES offense and making clutch plays when needed.

After a quiet half CONS/CES drew first blood as the CONS/CES quarterback juked and danced his way to a 6-yard touchdown run before halftime giving CONS/CES a 6-0 lead at the break.

LRS came out in the second half determined as they drove down the field on their first drive of the second half to tie the game 6-6. LRS quarterback and game MVP Bryan Shipman scampered 3-yards to pay dirt for the game-tying score.

After some great defense by both teams the game's intensity was felt through the more than 100 fans that showed up to cheer on both teams. Those intense feelings were broken by some great running and passing by Miller and clutch receptions by Simpson which helped move CONS/CES back into scoring position.

As Miller scrambled to his left he hit CONS/CES wide receiver Ken Ernewein with a 10-yard touchdown pass to put his team up 12-6 with 3:22 to play.

"At that time our backs were up against the wall," said Coach Herron. "But our guys showed what heart really is."

With time ticking down, LRS drove down the field needing clutch play after clutch play from Shipman to stay in the game. After a sideline pass to Thomas, LRS called time out with 30 seconds left and the ball resting on the CONS/CES 21-yard line.

With precious seconds erasing from the clock, Shipman rolled right planted his feet and threw a perfect spiral that LRS wide receiver Joe Lima snatched out of the sky to tie the game at 12-12 with 21 seconds left to play in regulation.

"He made a great throw and I knew I had to come down with it," Lima said. "Clutch players make clutch plays and that's what we did."

After both teams traded interceptions the game ended with the championship still undecided with the score deadlocked at 12 a piece.

"It was a heck of a game," said Ernewein. "I was proud to be a part of it."

In overtime, both teams get one chance to move the ball as far as they could or score and CONS/CES got the first shot at flag football glory, but the LRS defense was having none of that.

After three plays the LRS defenders had forced an incomplete pass and sacked the CONS/CES quarterback twice. With the ball almost on the 40-yard line CONS/CES managed to complete a pass to the LRS 17-yard line. A penalty moved them down to the 7, but the LRS defense had stood tall.

"We got after them," said DeAndre Burks, who had three sacks in the game. "That last stand was beautiful, we took it to them and we knew we had the game won after that."

Confidence aside LRS still had to punch the ball in the end zone. After an incomplete pass and an illegal forward pass penalty, Shipman broke the huddle for what would be the last play of the flag football intramural season.

He took the snap and dropped back to pass, finding no one open, he made a mad dash for the end zone scooting past CONS/CES defenders for the winning touchdown and just like that -- 18-12 - LRS back to back.

"This is the second one, but this is the start of the LRS dynasty," Shipman said. "This is a big win for us and a nice way to end my TDY here. Keep it up fellas and do it again next year."

2006 Intramural Flag Football Schedule (playoffs)

Nov. 6 results
(1) SFS 27 vs. MDG 21
(2) CONS/CES 24 vs. MXS 13

Nov. 7 results
(3) LRS 19 vs. SFS 20
(4) AMS 13 vs. CONS/CES 19

Nov. 8 results
(5) MDG 7 vs. AMS 35
(6) MXS 0 vs. LRS 20

Nov. 9 results
(7) SFS 6 vs. CONS/CES 18
(8) AMS 21 vs. LRS 31

Nov. 13 results
(9) LRS 14 vs. SFS 7 (OT)

Nov. 14
(10) 6 p.m. -- CONS/CES 7 vs. LRS 20
(11) 7:30 p.m. CONS/CES 12 vs. LRS 18 (OT)