TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The battle lines were drawn and emotions ran high as arch rivals squared off in intramural flag football action Sept. 26 at the Tinker Sports Complex.
   The Red Bulls from the 31st Combat Communications Squadron claimed bragging rights as they beat the 32nd CCS 12-6.
   "We had the energy, the talent and will to defeat our opponents tonight," said Matthew Szaban, Red Bulls head coach. "We are definitely the better team." 
   The action got started early with the running and throwing of 32nd CCS quarterback Rob Massey and the play of running back George Wiggins. Wiggins gained 25 yards on three carries, while Massey amassed 20 yards on the ground. With 10 seconds left in the first quarter, Massey connected with tight end Matt Ochoa on a 10-yard touchdown strike, giving the 32nd CCS an early 6-0 advantage.
   Both defenses made key plays throughout the rest of the first half, thwarting the other team's offensive success. Wiggins picked off an errant pass from 31st CCS quarterback Andrew Sandoval stopping a drive midway through the second period. Additionally, the Red Bull defense slowed down the 32nd CCS high powered offense with successive stops by Justin Buckler late in the second quarter.
   "This is how we play defense -- quick and agile," said Szaban.
   The Red Bull offense came to life on the first drive of the third quarter. Sandoval connected on three successive plays to wide receiver Patrick Ridlow amassing 55 yards. This, coupled with a defensive holding penalty, put the ball at the 2-yard line.
On the next play, Sandoval ran up the middle for a 2-yard touchdown, knotting the score at 6-6.
   After both teams traded punts in the fourth quarter, the Red Bulls got the ball back with 2:30 remaining on the clock. Sandoval drove his team down the field with pinpoint passing and timely runs.
   With 55 seconds left in the game and facing a third down, Sandoval found a wide open Ridlow, who scored the winning touchdown on a 10-yard strike.
   "I needed to make something happen on the last drive and Ridlow made a great catch, giving us the victory," said Sandoval.
   "Our key to victory was staying disciplined on offense and defense," Szaban said. "We made plays on both sides of the ball when we needed it."
   The games' MVP was Ridlow, who had six catches for 96 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
   Massey was equally as impressive with seven rushes for 80 yards, while completing 9 of 14 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown.
   The win improved the 31st CCS record to 2-1, while the loss dropped the 32nd CCS to 1-2.