After two dramatic overtimes, Kappa Kappa Gamma and MLK Dream Team raised their championship flags in the intramural flag football finals on Tuesday night at Frank “Muddy” Waters Stadium. KKG beat Vicious and Delicious in double overtime 26-20, and MLK Dream Team defeated Galloway in overtime 32-26.
In both games, the lead went back and forth. Long runs and touchdowns came in bunches, and lots of flags were pulled. Even the cheerleading was intense, as fans began cheering for their team even before the game started.
The women’s championship started first, with many spectators crowding the sideline. It was back and forth in regulation, but friends and fans of KKG empowered the team in overtime.
Sophomore English Hinton, the captain of the KKG team, talked about the extra competition in the playoffs.
“We played hard all season,” Hinton said, “but the regular season was just not nearly as exciting as the playoffs,”
Hinton explained the keys to her team’s success.
“We have some girls who are really fast,” Hinton said. “And nobody was injured. That is a blessing.”
She also noted her team’s pre-game ritual.
“We prayed together before every game,” Hinton said. “I think that helped.”
The men’s final, which started immediately following the women’s, proved to be higher scoring. The game, which was competetive throughout, ended with an overtime victory for MLK Dream Team.
After their victory, dawning shirts that read “I am a champion”, members of MLK rose the championship trophy together.
Senior Matt Hastreiter, the captain of MLK Dream Team, expressed his excitement about the win.
“Many of us played together as a team for four years,” Hastreiter said. “And this is the first year we were the champs.”
Hastreiter explained their game plan, and expressed great pride in his team.
“We had to run a bunch of quick pass plays because of their good pass defense.” Hastreiter said. “We have a good team chemistry, so we got buckets.”
Both Hinton and Hastreiter, though excited by their victories, regret having to see the season come to an end.
“I am sad that it is over,” Hastreiter said. “Fall semester is a ton of fun if it’s spent with flag football.”
