By Aaron Turner/reporter
Flag football officially got under way for NE Campus Oct. 15 as six teams and more than 70 students played on a hot, sunny afternoon.
Although 10 teams had originally registered for the intramural league, only seven complete teams would make it by the end of the day. A few last-minute roster changes occurred as four different teams combined into one.
“One team completely didn’t show up, and two others didn’t have enough players,” said NE intramural director Bart Desender.
Although he admitted it was a bit hectic in terms of scheduling, Desender felt it was a good turnout.
“Last year, we only had six teams sign up, so I’m glad we had more people register this year,” he said.
The first two games played would be lopsided as the Knights trounced the Untouchables 54-0, followed by a 43-6 Chiefs rout of the Gymrats.
Earlier in the week, the TCC maintenance staff painted an area of grass with 10-yard lines and touchdown markers, resulting in a 50-yard playing field.
Teams were given one first down if 20 yards were gained, and they had the option to punt on fourth down.
Although teams were mostly male, NE students and best friends Krysta Brewer and Allison Morton both decided they would play this year.
“I loved it, we had a lot of fun,” Brewer said.
Her team, 24/7, won the third and final game of the afternoon 18-2.
“We had never played intramurals before, so we decided to just go for it,” she said.
Although a seventh team, Swag Attack, had been registered, its opponent had forfeited after joining with another team.
Swag Attack was given an automatic win and will play its first official game this weekend.
Despite the hot weather and confusion with teams, most players walked away with smiles following their games.
“Last year, the team I was on got blown out,” said NE student Sumaila Koroma, team captain of the Knights.
“I formed my own team this year, and obviously, we played pretty well.”
The second round of games will take place Oct. 23 with the first game starting at 9:30 a.m.
Team matchups will be posted in NHPE next to the equipment checkout room.
