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Big plays key to 552nd OSS victory

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  In an intense battle Oct. 3, the 552nd Operational Support Squadron shut out the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron 6-0 in intramural football action.
   The Golden Dragons of the 965th AACS seized control early under the spirited play of quarterback Jeremiah Lopez and wide receiver Dominic Gonzales. Both made key plays in the first quarter enabling their team to move the ball down the field. The 965th AACS didn't reach the end zone, however, as the 552nd OSS defense stopped them at their 20-yard line.
   "Our defense played exceptional tonight and we were able to bend but not break," said Jeremy Smith, defensive back for the 552nd OSS.
   The second quarter saw big plays from the 552nd OSS offense generate the only points of the contest. Quarterback Devon Taylor threw a 10-yard out pattern to Andrew Raiden, who flipped the ball to Smith. Smith then scampered 60 yards for the game's only touchdown. After the missed extra point try, the 552nd OSS led 6-0.
   "Our team has definite edge in quickness and we had to ulitilize it today for the victory," said Smith.
   "We need to protect our quarterback and get some play downfield," said Vegas McNeal, Golden Dragons wide receiver. "This is a whole new ball game ... and we will turn it around in the second half."
   The 965th AACS made a switch at quarterback, replacing Lopez with Gerard West. West got his team's sputtering offense moving with quick runs and expert passing. He rushed for 35 yards on three carries and completed four of six passes for another 50 yards.
   The result was still the same. The 552nd OSS defense held its opponent at bay with timely sacks, stopping the 965th AACS within the red zone.
   The 552nd OSS's Raiden sacked West with 3 minutes left in the contest, sealing his team's victory.
   "We are a very talented and quick team," said Smith. "We always pay within ourselves and once we have the lead it is very difficult to score on us."
   This was the second consecutive shutout for the stellar defensive squad from the 552nd OSS.
   Smith, who had three catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, was the star of the game for the 552nd OSS. The star for the 965th AACS was West, who rushed for 65 yards on six carries. He also completed 10 of 16 passes for 114 yards.
   The win propelled the 552nd OSS to a 3-1 record, while the loss dropped the 965th AACS Golden Dragons to 1-3.