Mayor's Cup football - Longhorns sneak past Black Knights, 19-18

Photo By Spc. Derron Dickinson | Members of the 504th Military Intelligence Battalion Longhorns plan their next play during the Mayor's Cup championship game March 24 at Camp Victory, Iraq.  

03.30.2007

Story by Spc. Derron Dickinson 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

Spc. D. A. Dickinson
28th Public Affairs Detachment

The 504th Military Intelligence Battalion Longhorns narrowly beat out the 89th Military Police Brigade Black Knights 19-18, in the championship round of Mayor's Cup football March 24.

The tight final score reflected the back-and-forth exchange between the two teams.

"At one point we were down by five, and Dearonne Bethea scored a 50-yard touchdown," said Kenneth Simms, Black Knights quarterback. Bethea's 50-yard scamper was one of two scores for the runner.

Though the formidable Black Knight defense did it's best to lock down the 'Horns, Jason Lafasciano, rocketed passes to his receivers all over the field.

After guiding his team to a win over a dumbfounded Team Marines March 23, Lafasciano predicted a passionate clash between the two rival teams from Fort Hood, Texas.

"It's going be a heated game," he said. "It's been a rivalry since we got in theater in August."

Lafasciano expressed some concern about the confrontation, given his team's sluggish start against the Marines.

"As long as we can execute, we'll win the game," he said.

The Longhorns did execute against the Knights, though there were some close calls.
While the intensity of the rivalry was reflected in the strained voices of screaming fans, players agreed that the contest was marked by civility.

"It was very good," Simms said. "It was the best sportsmanship for a championship game that you could ask for."

"There was no trash talking or dirty play," said Black Knight cornerback Jermarcus Nettles.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2007
• Date Posted: 03.30.2007 02:46
• Story ID: 9681