VQ-7 claims first round playoff win

Published May 7, 2010
By John Stuart
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- You could say it was a showing of defensive prowess Tuesday night between VQ-7 and Reserve Gold. Or you could also say it was an offensive hiccup as both teams struggled to gain yardage in the typically heavy winds and extra dusty football field.

Though both teams had several chances for victory, it was fourth-seeded VQ-7 who barely came out on top 6-0 in the first round of the flag football playoffs May 4.

It was almost a scoreless first half, stymied by both teams punting or turning it over on downs. Fifth-seeded Reserve Gold failed to convert four possessions into points and VQ-7 came up with their only touchdown late in the second quarter just before the half.

An interception from Michael Clark set up the touchdown as he picked off Reserve Gold quarterback Lloyd Palmer and VQ-7 took over possession at the 50. After several plays, a 20-yard pitch run play to Victor Jean took it to the 10-yard line. Quarterback Brandon Collier ran it in for a touchdown on the next play. The two-point conversion was no good and VQ-7 went up 6-0.

Reserve Gold got their chance and blew it in the third quarter. They had the momentum and the wind at their backs. With Palmer's long-ball neatly in hand, he aired out the sails to receiver Brayden Miller for a 35-yard pass to the five yard line. VQ-7's late flag pull stayed the touchdown and with it the game, though they didn't know it then.

In an impressive showing of red zone defense, VQ-7 shut out Reserve Gold who tried for the touchdown on three plays to no avail as dropped passes and sacks killed the mojo. They turned it over on downs at the 15 after taking a sack. With the clock waning, Reserve Gold's chance had come and gone. The troupe of Sailors had torpedoed the golden vessel and she was lost at football field.

The second round of playoffs continue Tuesday and the championship game will be May 18.

Playoffs