Heavily equipped 95th SFS shuts out thin 31st TES

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 95th Security Forces Squadron team's strength turned out to be the weakness of at the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron team, as the 95th SFS was able to wear down their opponient and win 19-0 during intramural football at Wings Field here Sept. 29.

Despite having the ball most of the first quarter, the inability of the 95th SFS to score when they got close to the end zone kept the 31st TES in the game and both team scoreless heading into the second quarter.

But the 31st TES's bend, but don't break style of defense broke in the second quarter as their eight-man roster was unable to keep up with the depth of the 95th SFS roster.

"Everyone here is a part in what we do," said Jason Slagle 95th SFS co-head coach. "Everyone who comes out gets a chance to play and that's what gives everyone the motivation to come out to every game and that's why we're such a cohesive team."

On the other hand, the 31st TES coach said that because of other work and personal commitments, his team only fielded an eight-man roster and all players were required to play all three phases of the game.

"We lost, but we hung in there," said Charles Hans, 31st TES coach. "We had eight players. Missing half our team that's what happens. We have guys TDY and that have other work commitments, but you can only play with the players you have and that's what we did."

In the second quarter, the weakness of the 31st TES began to show, as the 95th SFS offense scored the game's first touchdown while managing a three and out and turnover on downs on the opposing team's next two possessions. 

To start the second half, the 31st TES kicked off to the 95th SFS, who began their drive just passed the 20 yard line. From there the 95th SFS put together a long drive, capped off with a touchdown.

Following the 95th SFS scoring drive, it was evident fatugue was setting in with the player of the 31st TES team. 

"We got tired, that's when the little things started creeping up on us," said Coach Hans. "They didn't score their second touchdown until the second half, so that show we can keep up." 

Coming out to start their next drive down by two touchdowns, the 31st TES was unable to mount a scoring drive of their own.

The 95th SFS took over and proceeded to drive the ball down the field for a third and final scoring drive, highlighted by the quarterback's long run to the end zone on an option.

"I have an aggressive team and my guys get out there and they hustle the entire game," said Coach Williams. 

When the 31st TES took the field again their quarterback's tendency to throw to the end zone proved their down fall as they were unable to connect on any of his pass attempts during the drive.

After stopping the 95th SFS's offense the 31st TES got the ball back and following instructions from the coach, their quarterback began moving the ball down field with short passes to the sideline. But once the team got into the red zone, their last ditch scoring effort stalled and the 95th SFS defense was able to hold them off as time expired.

Despite his team's loss, Coach Hans is still very confident in his team and their ability to win the league championship.

"We're a good team and we'll see what we can do when we get all our players back," said Coach Hans. "In the playoffs we're going to win - that's my prediction."

The 95th SFS coach said he was pleased with his team's level of play and their standing as the league's top team, but added that every team is good, and if they want to continue to win, they must play hard every game.

"(This league) is a level playing field," said coach Williams. "We're playing harder and getting the wins like we're supposed to, but every team is good."

Official Derek Brown said that this year he has seen some of the best teams that he's seen play in this league and the SFS coaches and team did a good job calling plays and executing.

"I have been officiating for over a decade here on Edwards so I don't say this lightly, but this might be some of the best teams in a long while and they all look fired up. The officiating crew is awesome and really having to work out there keeping up with the speed and scoring nightly," said Brown. "I saw something special tonight from the SFS team; they were clicking on all cylinders, but over the past couple years, due to deployments they have sputtered in the playoffs. However, the coaches seemed to call all the right plays, turning them loose showing their skills, teamwork and professionalism tonight."