Jacob Lucarelli, 35th Communications Squadron quarterback, throws the ball downfield during his team’s first game of the intramural flag football season at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 6, 2012. Intramural flag football is the first sport to be played on the new artificial turf field and will continue through Nov. 29, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)
Taurean Savage, 35th Medical Group flag football team member, falls into the end zone after making a catch during his team’s first game of the season at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 6, 2012. The intramural flag football season is scheduled to go on for nine weeks, with playoffs starting Dec. 1, 2012 and the top 6 teams making the playoffs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)
Michael George, 35th Medical Group quarterback, throws the ball downfield before a 35th Communications Squadron defender can pull his flag at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 6, 2012. The 35 MDG defeated the 35 CS to win their first game of the season 19 to 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)
Edward Post, left, 35th Medical Group flag football team member, chases down Douglas Brown, 35th Maintenance Squadron flag football team member, during the opening day of intramural flag football at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 6, 2012. The intramural season is scheduled to be nine weeks long with the playoffs coming in December, where the top six teams in the league will go head-to-head for the championship. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)
Douglas Brown, 35th Maintenance Squadron quarterback, releases the ball before defenders can disrupt the play at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 6, 2012. The 35 MXS battle against the Patrol Squadron 8 Tigers in a showdown that is sure to be a sneak-peak playoff matchup for later in the season. The 35 MXS defeated the VP-8 Tigers in the closing seconds of the game 27 to 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee)
by Airman 1st Class Zachary Kee
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/8/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- With eight games scheduled for the first Saturday of the intramural flag football season, two teams got the season underway Oct. 6, 2012 at the new artificial turf field at Misawa Air Base, Japan.
The first game of the season put the 373rd Support Squadron up against the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, which ended with the 373 SPTS taking the win that both teams were looking for to start their young seasons. The 373 SPTS defeated the 35 AMXS by a score of 20 to 7.
Several of the day's games included possible sneak-peak playoff matchups that could occur later on in the season.
One of these matchups included the Patrol Squadron 8 Tigers, or VP-8 Tigers, versus the 35th Maintenance Squadron.
The game featured two of the more explosive offenses in the league with more than 50 combined points scored between the two teams. As the game came to a close, it looked like the VP-8 Tigers were going to run away with the game up 26- 12 with five minutes remaining. Behind but not intimidated, the 35 MXS came charging back in dramatic fashion as they scored a touchdown in the final seconds of the game, followed by a three point conversion from the 20 yard line, winning the season opener 27-26 with no time remaining on the clock.
Of course, despite the joy of winning, there is a lot more to intramural flag football than winning.
Flag football, like all other intramural sports, gets people to come together in their respective units and have friendly competition against other units around base.
"I decided to give flag football a try so I could come out and meet new people in my unit," said Airman J.C. Smith, 35th Operations Group flag football player. "It also gives me a fun way to stay in shape."
Flag football has one of the biggest turnouts of all intramurals this year. with 13 teams ready to show what they are made of this season.
"I think our team could do really well this season," said Smith. "We have fast guys on our team and I think the talent is there. As long as people show up to the games I think we will have a good shot at making the playoffs."
The flag football season will continue through Nov. 29, 2012 and the playoffs are scheduled to start Dec. 1, 2012 with the top six teams in the league moving on to the postseason.
For more information on the intramural flag football season, contact Staff Sgt. Muriel Diaz, 35th Force Support Squadron sports director, at 226-2295.
