Pigskin quartets battle rain,
heat in gridiron action at Ritz-Epps

by Reginald Rogers
Paraglide

	photos by Reginald Rogers/Paraglide Carlos Sanchez of the 6th Psychological Operations Battalion, second from left, attempts to grab the flag of the other team's receiver during a 4-on-4 intramural flag football tournament Saturday at Ritz-Epps Sports Complex.

Eight teams braved 85-degree temperatures and constant downpours to compete for the Fort Bragg equivalent of a Super Bowl trophy. The competition was held Saturday and Sunday at Ritz-Epps Field during the annual 4-on-4 intramural flag football championship tournament.

The teams, included an Air Force squad from nearby Pope Air Force Base, the 126th Transportation Company and teams with names like P.L.U.T.O. and So Sexy. When the gridiron had dried from Saturday’s torrential rainfall, the Plutonians were crowned the top team after they defeated So Sexy 36-13 in the championship.

The event was not devoid of determination, blood, sweat and an occasional tear, but the competitors, would have it no other way.

“The competition was kind of tough,” explained Louis Davis, a Fayetteville native and 71st High school graduate, who played on the 126th Transportation Co. team. “We didn’t come out here to play. They’re doing what they have to do to win and we’re doing what we have to do.”

Davis said the team that takes the lead in 4-on-4 football is the team that holds the cards.
“Once you get up, you just have to eat up the clock,” he added.

The team from the 6th Psychological Operations Battalion also gave a good showing Saturday, despite losing to the Air Force and dropping into the loser’s bracket. Team captain Robert Smith said he was pleased with his team’s efforts and the organization of the tournament.

“It’s some good competition,” said Smith, a Dallas native, whose team at the time sported a 2-1 record. “Everybody’s working hard, trying to win. It’s all in good fun, though.”

Davis’ teammate Justin Whitaker, who played quarterback, was responsible for five touchdowns during their contest. Whitaker said playing in the tournament allowed him an opportunity to revisit a former position.

“I played quarterback my junior year in high school,” said the Cave City High School (Ark.) graduate. “My sophomore and senior year, I played running back.”

Although Whitaker gave a gallant performance from behind center, he, along with several other teams, complimented the effort of Air Force quarterback Tim Hicks.

Hicks stood at the end of the end zone and launched touchdown after touchdown to the back of the opposing end zone, a total of 65 yards, according to an official.

“The competition is really good, the Air Force looks like they’re going to be our toughest competition. They’ve got a really good quarterback and a lot of fast receivers with good hands, like us. We just have to play good D and we should be alright.”

Until next year, the trophy will rest on P.L.U.T.O, until the Air Force, a transportation company, or a psychological operations battalion figures out a way for its return to Ritz-Epps Field.