Chiefs beat Eagles 36-6

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Claudette Hutchinson
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republlic of Korea --  The crowd poured onto the field as they got ready for the big game -- Chiefs vs. Eagles flag football.

The game was the culmination of the Junior Enlisted Appreciation Day event May 21.

Anticipation had been building for weeks. Now, everyone wanted to know who would take the trophy -- the Chiefs or the Eagles.

The bleachers filled quickly and both teams started with a friendly banter of much trash-talking and fanfare. But, as the two teams walked on to the field it was clear the fans were ready for them to just -- play ball!

It was a perfect, clear day and everyone was abuzz. Then play began. First play went to the Eagles. They ran their plays and kept picking off the flags of the Chiefs to go on and score the first touchdown with just minutes into the game.

But, the initial sizzle in the Eagles rush soon fizzled as the Chiefs came back on the second play with a little option pass, getting the ball back to the middle of the field and -- touchdown!

The crowd was on their feet. This tied the game, 6-6.

Next, for the tie break, the Chiefs snagged the ball from the Eagles, scoring a big interception, and hurled it towards the goal. The crowd jolted from their seats and hung in suspense for what seemed like hours, as the ball cut through the air.

The Chiefs' team captain and Wolf Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Jim Sanders, went in for the perfect catch and -- touchdown!

The crowd roared and the Chiefs celebrated as they moved into the second half up one, 13-6.

At the break, Chief Master Sgt. James Pruit, of the Chiefs' offensive team, explained their strategy coming into the game.

"We've been practicing for a couple weeks," he said. "During the second play of the game we did a little option pass and sent the ball back to the middle of the field. We made a touchdown and that set the tone for the game."

"We started a little bit of trick plays but that was not working as well as we hoped, so we just went long," the Wolf Chief and team captain said. "We had the speed, and our quarterback has a great arm."

The second half was a total blowout and the Chiefs finished off the Eagles scoring 36-6.
"We didn't let them score at the second half. We let it all out on the second half -- shutting them down," said team captain Wolf Chief.

The Chiefs' quarterback Master Sgt. Warren Benge, 8th Force Support Squadron first sergeant, broke down the game.

"At the beginning we just wanted to run. That wasn't working," he said. "So we went deep. That worked. Wolf Chief caught the ball and that set the tone for the rest of the game."

The Chiefs' coach Master Sgt. Rodney Koonce, 8th Logistic Readiness first sergeant, also offered his view of the game.

"We tightened down on defense and did what we were supposed to do in the second half," he said.

"The eagles played a good game. They were more athletic than we thought, and so we had to change our strategy and shut them down in the second half."

The game was another way the leadership, Chiefs and Eagles, wanted to express their appreciation to the Airmen. They went out on the field and gave it their all through teamwork, camaraderie and having fun, sending a message to the Airmen.

"It was a great day. I hope the Airmen enjoyed it," said the Wolf Chief. "They constantly come through when we ask them to come through. Thank you."