TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In a game that could have slashed their undefeated record, Reserve Gold went ahead late to overtake the 72nd Med Group 14-7.
Gold led the charge with the first possession of the game, but after a few plays with incomplete passes, they were forced to punt, turning the ball over. Amped and ready, the Medics received and drove down the field 10 yards. A near-quarterback sack on second down foreshadowed the next couple of plays: a sack on third down and an interception on fourth.
After the Reserves took control, quarterback Jeff Inferrere completed a pass to gain a few yards before driving nine more yards down the field. Another sneak allowed Gold another first down, though that next possession was short-lived and the Medics intercepted to end the first quarter.
The Med Group would only make it a few yards down the field before having to punt on fourth down. Reserve Gold was unable to make up for any lost yardage due to the drop on the forced punt. Inferrere then led his team on one of the better series of plays of the game. Though it resulted in no touchdowns, Gold showcased their momentum and ability to work the ball in both their passing and running game. Lateral pass after lateral pass provided a surprisingly significant gain down the field putting Gold in prime position to score at second and goal. However, a QB-sack on third down and an overthrown pass kept the score tied at zero.
The first two quarters of play ended with a blank scoreboard, and the Med Group started the third quarter with some unforeseen energy. Three consecutive downrange passes gave them another first down, and another series of completed passes put them one long pass away from the first TD of the game. With no extra point, the Medics went ahead 6-0.
Fired up and eager to remain dominant in standings, Gold retaliated with a 15-yard drive from Inferrere. With more accuracy down the field, Gold regained some momentum after a couple of overthrown lobs and was able to even the score at six apiece.
Two minutes remained in the game. Each team received a handful of flags on defense and a player, who we’ll keep anonymous, was nearly de-pantsed. On the second to last play of the game, Gold snuck in a second touchdown and a two-point conversion. The score was 14-6 and the Medics had one possession remaining. A promising run was crushed after the final play of the game was overthrown and the Med Group was unable to level the board with a second touchdown. Gold remains undefeated, but has competition at its heels.