308th trumps 96th Comm 23-18

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 308th Armament Systems Wing defeated the 96th Communications Group 23-18, in a heated battle that came down to the final seconds during an Intramural Flag Football matchup, Oct. 22. 

"Methodical," said Ross McKnight, 308th quarterback, jokingly about their win. "It goes without saying that it was a team effort and the win wouldn't have been possible without the talent each player displayed today." 

The 96th Comm won first possession of the ball with the coin toss but didn't have it for long after an interception caught in midfield. The 308th couldn't capitalize; they were held for four downs in the 96th Comm red zone. 

"My team gave an outstanding effort and I am truly proud of the game they played," said 96th Comm head coach, Sean Walko. 

With the momentum swing in their favor, 96th Comm drew first blood when their quarterback, John Haraguchi, found wide receiver, Charlie Grover, for the touchdown. They took the lead but were unable to make the extra point, giving them the early lead 6-0. 

It didn't take long for the 308th to answer back. Andrew Massino, wide receiver, scored a touchdown after a short drive up the field. 

With the game tied after a failed extra point attempt, 308th Massino was out for blood and intercepted a pass to run it in for another score just two downs after 96th Comm took possession of the ball. 

"I just wanted to have fun and play some football," said Massino. 

Ross McKnight, 308th quarterback, found John Rabold in the end zone for the extra point putting them up 14-6. 

With 28 seconds left on the clock in the first half, 96th Comm hoped to regain momentum and for a moment did when Haraguchi passed to Anthony Wright, who then ran it in for another six points. It seemed 96th Comm could tie the game with the extra point. 

During the attempt, however, the 308th's Rabold managed to snag an interception and evaded opponents to run 80 yards to the opposite end zone. In flag football, such a play gives the scoring defensive team three points. 

The score kept the 308th in the lead, ending the first half 17-12. 

"The three point swing at the end of the first half really was the deciding factor in the game," said Walko. "It hurt the momentum we had going into the second half." 

The 308th started the second half not only with possession of the ball, but momentum as well. After a seven-play drive up the field, 308th got within five yards of the end zone when McKnight pitched a quick toss to their center giving them a two touchdown cushion over 96th Comm, 23-12. 

"I think a major part of our success was the fact that our quarterback didn't give up any interceptions," said Massino. 

Penalties would prove costly for the 308th defense as 96th Comm gained possession of the ball, giving up 20 yards for illegal participation and holding fouls. The loss of ground put the 96th Comm in good position to score, which they did bringing the 308th's cushion down to 23-18. 

Once the 308th regained possession, they ran the clock down by throwing short passes and successfully completing third down conversions. They made their way down field up to the 10 yard line but were unable to score thanks to back-to-back sacks by 96th Comm's Grover that forced the turnover. 

With 28 seconds left in regulation play, 96th Comm played without huddles throwing short passes to make their way up field since they used up all their timeouts earlier in the half. 

However, incomplete passes and superb defensive coverage halted any progress past midfield and time eventually ran out for 96th Comm; 308th took the win 23-12.