McConnell flag football team reclaims trophy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Team McConnell Tornados defeated Fort Riley, 32-26 in overtime during the fifth annual McConnell vs. Fort Riley flag football game here Nov. 2, 2013.

The Tornados' coach said he owes their success to their ability to execute.

"It's not about size and speed, it's not about talent," said Shawn Matthew Hinkle, 22nd Medical Support Squadron director of facility management. "It's about who's going to execute the best, and at the end, we executed just a little bit better."

The army scored the first touchdown of the game in the second quarter, but failed to complete the extra point. The Tornados soon caught up and the teams went into halftime tied 6-6.

The third quarter was marked by a defensive stalemate, leading to another scoreless quarter.

The Army started the fourth quarter with the ball on their 30-yard-line and completed a 35-yard-pass on second down, setting them up for a quick touchdown and extra point.

The Soldiers' defense shut down the Tornados on their next offensive drive. 

Senior Airman Tanis Anderson, intercepted a pass from the Army and ran it back for a touchdown, though the Tornados missed the extra point again, bringing the score to 13-12

A 30-yard-rush propelled the Army into the 'red zone,' where they scored on a short pass, making the score 20-12.

Two 20-yard-passes brought the Tornados back to the end zone with a score 20-18, though they failed to complete the 2-point-conversion for the third time.

Two plays into the Army's next offensive drive, Tech. Sgt. Andre Perry intercepted a pass, setting the Tornados up for another touchdown. A pass to Brian Crider, wide receiver, brought the score back to a competitive 20-26.

The confident team of Soldiers brought the ball down the field and scored during the last minute-and-a-half of the fourth quarter, tying the game 26-26.

The Tornados failed to score in the remainder of the quarter and the game went into overtime.

The Army had the first possession of overtime, but an interception by Senior Airman Cody Noble, cornerback, brought the Tornados close to the end zone.

Two fast plays later, the Tornados scored another quick touchdown ending the game with a score of 32-26.

"My team played their hearts out," said Jason Lafasciano, Fort Riley's offensive coach and quarterback, "We made a couple of key mistakes on the offensive side toward the end. We had that game, but in the end we gave it to them."

While the Tornados enjoy ownership of the trophy, for now they must remain prepared for next year's game.

"Both teams played great," said Hinkle. "They have a very good coach, he brings it, and we know it. When those guys come off the bus, they're not here to have pancakes and drink beer with us, they're here to play football. So when they come back, we better be ready."