23rd MDG heats up chilly night during flag football championship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  It was a cold night for the 23rd Operations Support Squadron as they clashed with the undefeated 23rd Medical Group during the flag football championship Dec. 13.

Whether it was the freezing weather or rough winds, the 23rd OSS just couldn't keep the ball out of the medical group's hands, which led to a win for the 23rd MDG 24-6.

The medical group solidified the championship after intercepting its second pass of the game leading to a touchdown and securing the lead and the game.

The defensive line of the medical group put consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback, contributing to three interceptions throughout the game.

The entire game was not one sided though; the operations support squadron drew first blood during the game, marching 80 yards down the field, for the first and their lone score of the game. They ended up missing their point-after-touchdown as it flew wide and brought the score to 6-0.

"At the beginning of the game we knew we had to push hard; 23rd OSS was one of our toughest opponents throughout the championship and we had to overcome them," said Cordell Roberson, 23rd MDG coach. "There was one thought in our mind - just keep them under control and not let them pull ahead."

During the double-elimination tournament, the operations support squadron had previously lost, setting them back a game during the championship round.

Although the 23rd OSS began the game with a boom, the momentum did not last long as the 23rd MDG fought back, pushing down the field to secure a touchdown against 23rd OSS resulting in a score of 7-6 with only a few minutes left in the first half.

On the next drive, the operations support squadron was closing in on the red zone but a turnover killed the drive giving the 23rd MDG less than a minute to score.

In a hurry up offense, the medical group reached the 20-yard with no timeouts and only seconds left in the half.

Kevin Blevins, punter and kicker for the medical group walked onto the field with the thought to sink the field goal between the uprights, bringing a last-minute score to the 23rd MDG.

"As we were moving down the field I knew that it would come down to a kick," said Kevin Blevins. "When we were stopped with only seconds left, I knew it was my time to shine.

"I have been waiting for this moment the entire season," he said. "It's something every kicker dreams of-the referee counting down the seconds."

The field goal was good giving the medical group a 4-point lead going into the half.

After halftime, despite 23rd OSS's best attempts, the medical group was able to hold on for the win and the championship.

"In the end we were able to pull ahead and clinch the lead," said coach Roberson. "It was a great feeling for our people to win this and we hope to continue or success next year."