MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - The MCIA Bulldogs and TBS Logistic Support Group played an intramural flag football game at Butler Stadium aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on Nov. 14, 2013. TBS LSG defeated the Bulldogs 22-8 after a heated and hard-fought game.
However, this is not what both teams were expecting at the start of the game.
“I have no doubts that we are going to win,” said James Peterson, captain, MCIA Bulldogs. “We have played them in the past and we beat them so, as long as we play well, we should come out with a victory.”
The Bulldogs had total confidence in their skills and thought a victory was assured, while the TBS LSGs knew they were going up against a strong contender.
“They are one of the top teams in the division,” said Scottie Bailey, coach/quarterback, TBS LSG. “We have struggled throughout the season and we are just trying to end on a high note.”
Both teams successfully pulled off two point conversions ending the first half with a score of 8-8. The winner would be chosen during the second-half.
“We got a turnover while on defense that really sealed the victory for us,” said Bailey, whose team scored a touchdown and a field goal during the third quarter putting them up 16 - 8. “I thought we played really well tonight. Our defensive line has really stepped up the last few games.”
The MCIA Bulldogs had five minutes left to even the score or lose the game, so in a last ditch effort to score a touchdown, they executed their drive using their signature formation of sending two receivers to the left and two to the right of the quarterback, all the while executing short passes.
“We are going to try faster snaps and run better routes, so we can move the ball,” said Sebastian Evans, quarterback, MCIA Bulldogs, explaining that this team is not built for the long bomb. “The problem is we are not reading the plays fast enough and not reacting fast enough to the other team’s plays, so our quarterback keeps getting sacked.”
With 3 minutes 36 seconds left in the game, the Bulldogs went against their style risking the long pass. It was intercepted by the TBS LSG defensive. But the Bulldogs managed to intercept a long pass and get the ball back.
With only one minute left in the game, the Bulldogs had one more chance to tie up the game, But they would have to bank on another long pass.
“We needed to stop the long pass on defense and we needed to move the ball better on the offense,” said Peterson, whose team lost 22 - 8.
Once again TBS LSG intercepted the long pass and took possession of the ball.
On, fourth down with 30 seconds left to go in the game, TBS LSG ran one final play and sealed the victory with one last touchdown, leaving the score 22 - 8.
“[The Bulldogs] are definitely one of the better teams in the league and a tough game for us,” said Bailey, wiping away the sweat from his forehead. “It was a big win for us.”