EMS routs CMS in flag football

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cory Gossett
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron faced off with the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron in flag football Aug. 21 at Luke Air Force Base. EMS won with a final score of 32-14.

The game began with both teams in high spirits and EMS winning the coin toss. The first quarter ended with both teams scoring with EMS in the lead 14-7. CMS was off to a rough start, but they didn't lose hope. EMS was confident they could keep their lead.

"We came out good offensively especially compared to our last game," said Rafael Lopez, 56th EMS teammate. "Everyone brought their A-game tonight, and hopefully we can keep it up."

Toward the end of the first quarter, CMS in a third down at the 40-yard line attempted a pass play, but there was uncertainty whether the catch was made inbounds. The referees decided to call a replay. On the second attempt, CMS made another pass that EMS intercepted.

Within the first few minutes of the second quarter, Rafael Lopez, 56th EMS teammate, pushed down the field for another touchdown adding to the scoreboard. It was here CMS started to pull it together, making it across the field with speed for a quick touchdown making the score 21-14. Both teams started to feel the tension as a thunderstorm made its way across the horizon. CMS wanted to score and EMS wanted to hold their lead.

While CMS determined to make a comeback, EMS shuffled their players to match CMS new-found energy. EMS advanced down the field but was stopped short of scoring at the 15-yard line. CMS called a timeout to plan a defensive strategy. EMS attempted a few running passes but couldn't make it through CMS's defense and got stuck at the 15-yard line.

Third down and desperate, EMS changed it up again giving them the results they wanted. They completed a pass and scored, putting the game at 26-14. CMS attempted a pass play, but the catch was incomplete. After receiving the ball, EMS scored again with a successful running play, giving EMS an 18-point lead in the last few minutes of the game.

The storm finally hit blowing dust everywhere and reducing visibility. The odds were stacked against CMS, yet they were determined to push through and score one last time. CMS fought its way down the field, looking for one last chance to score, but with one minute left on the clock, an interception sealed their fate.

Even though CMS lost, their spirits were high. The team remained motivated and had an upbeat outlook on future games.

"We didn't know each other before this game," said Spencer Brockman, 56th CMS teammate. "It was hard to keep up with EMS because we didn't know our strengths and weaknesses but we gave it our all. Once we get a few games under our belt, we will start playing strong."