2016 Army/Navy Flag Football Game At Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Gaddis IV | 161118-N-EC099-622 TACOMA, Wash. (Nov. 18, 2016) Navy players pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the 17th Annual Army/Navy Flag Football Game. The annual game has been a tradition since 2000 and it increases the morale and welfare of both Navy and Army personnel. Navy won the game 28-0. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)  

TACOMA, WA, UNITED STATES

11.18.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Gaddis IV 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

TACOMA, Wash. – Fans, service members, and spouses gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's (JBLM) Cowan Stadium to cheer on Sailors and Soldiers as they competed in the 17th annual Army vs. Navy regional flag football game, Nov. 18.

The Navy continued their four game win streak by defeating Army 28 - 0.

"It’s all about being a team,” said JBLM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston. “I’ve been deployed many times and every time I’ve never done it alone."

During the first quarter, following an Army punt, Navy put the first points on the board with a completed pass in the end zone to wide receiver Tokunbo Adegbenro, assigned to Naval Base Kitsap, (NBK) bringing the score to 7-0.

"It feels truly great to have our Sailors and Soldiers playing in this annual game,” said Bob Presley, Navy head coach. “To see all the training our guys do outside of their duties shows true dedication to the game."

In the second quarter, Navy continued to dominate with an interception and long run play, making the score 14-0. Army managed to drive down the field but turned the ball over at the goal line right before halftime.

Wide receiver Jerome Tiller, assigned to NBK, scored the third touchdown of the game making it 21-0. In the fourth quarter, Army drove the ball to just short of the goal line where Navy came up with a goal line stand to prevent them from scoring.

Later in the final quarter, with Army again on the goal line, Adegbenro intercepted a pass and returned it for a 99-yard touchdown, bringing the final score to 28-0.

"This game is a testament of how we all fight,” said Cmdr. Anthony Pecoraro, NBK executive officer. “No matter what the score was both teams fought to the very end."

After the game, players shook hands and Navy maintained ownership of the trophy, which Pecoraro handed over to team to celebrate with.

"Even when our teams disagree, its wonderful to see both teams come together,” said Pecoraro. “Just as we do on the battlefield, it shows the essence of America."

• Date Taken: 11.18.2016
• Date Posted: 11.19.2016 14:46
• Story ID: 215295
• Location: TACOMA, WA, US