LRS edges out SFS in overtime for championship spot

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Offense sells tickets but defense wins games. This slogan was obviously apparent last night during the much anticipated rematch between the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 39th Security Forces Squadron.

The teams were playing for a spot in the championship game against the 39th Contracting/Civil Engineer Squadron and both teams had met previously with LRS coming out the victor.

This game was no different, if not harder fought, than the last, with LRS coming out on top 14 to 7 in overtime.

With the game tied up 7 to 7 at halftime many of the respective fans had a little advice for their team.

"SFS just needs to keep their motivation up and try hard to get some touchdowns," said Charise Scott, a long-time 39th SFS fan.

The LRS fans, on the other hand, had something else in mind.

"LRS needs to step up their defense and pull some flags," said TirNi Dowl, a 39th LRS fan for life.

In the end, it was the defense that pulled it through. With less than a minute left in regulation and SFS with the ball on the 20-yard line, LRS effectively stopped the drive and brought the match into overtime.

LRS got the ball first in overtime and was almost stopped completely at the 15 yard line when on a fourth down hail mary, Brian Shipman, 39th LRS quarterback, connected with Sean Brown in the end zone for the final touchdown of the night.

The game wasn't completely over. SFS still had four downs to tie it up and possibly win if they went for two. But in came the LRS defense and again they stopped SFS in their tracks.

"This SFS team is an awesome one," said Bryan Gillespie, 39th SFS commander. "This team is a lot better than last year. They worked as a team and had a whole lot of heart. They were also very entertaining to watch."

Some 39th CONS/CES team members were at the game and had some comments about coming opponent in tonight's championship.

"Doesn't matter who won tonight," said Ken Ernewein, 39th CONS/CES player. "We are going to do what we have been doing all along; play good old slow-man football."

As the underdogs going into the season's final game, Benjamin Herron, 39th LRS coach, simply said "I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving."

The championship game between 39th CONS/CES and 39th LRS is Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the high school track.

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 vs. LRS
(11) 7:30 p.m. -- If Winner of game 9 wins there will be a second game to determine the Base Championship