Intramural Football Playoffs: 552nd TRS stuns second seeded 72nd OSS, 19-7

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
The 2007 intramural flag football playoffs started off with a thunder as the 552nd Training Squadron Griffins stunned No. 2 seed 72nd Operations Support Squadron Thunderhawks 19-7 Oct. 30 at the Tinker Sports Complex.
   The first round playoff match pitted the red hot 72nd OSS team, which came into the contest riding a four-game winning streak, against the 552nd TRS which was struggling after two consecutive losses.
   "We need to get off to a quick start against this team," said 552nd TRS quarterback Ethan Lefebvre.
   Thunderhawks quarterback Justin Hackbarth said his team was poised to continue its current win streak. "However we must play our 'A' game tonight to win," he added.
   The game started with the Thunderhawks taking the first possession and driving down the field. Hackbarth spearheaded the drive with consecutive runs of 25 and 29 yards giving the Thunderhawks possession at its opponent's 20-yard line.
   Hackbarth then completed two passes to receiver Will Chiaffino, putting the ball at the Griffins 5-yard line. On the next play, Hackbarth completed a quick strike to Chiaffino in the endzone, giving the Thunderhawks the early advantage. The ensuing extra point by kicker Chad Hotvedt put the 72nd OSS up 7-0 as the first quarter expired.
   In the second quarter, the Griffins retooled and marched down the field with relative ease. Led by quarterback Lefebvre, the Griffins cut into the lead with an eight-play 80-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard pass to wide receiver Adam Quade. The extra point was no good and the 72nd OSS held a slim 7-6 advantage heading to halftime.
   The second half was dominated by the Griffins. Lefebvre marched his offense down the field on consecutive possessions that both resulted in touchdowns. The first came on a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chris Salazar. Lefebvre had a 5-yard touchdown run putting the Griffins ahead for good at 19-7.
   "We were poised to erase our two-game losing skid and move further along in the playoffs," said Lefebvre.
   The win propelled the Griffins into the second round of the winners' bracket, while the loss dropped the Thunderhawks into the elimination bracket.
   Lefebvre, who completed 14 of 19 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns, was the most outstanding player for the Griffins. He also rushed five times for 66 yards. The Thunderhawks most outstanding player was Hackbarth, who rushed seven times for 87 yards and completed 10 of 22 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown.