Fall Flag Football - Laying it all out on the field

By Sgt. Tony White

The quarterback drops back, scanning the right side of the field. His vision focuses on his receiver cutting through the middle of the field. From his left side a defender penetrates the line, coming at him from his blindside. The quarterback doesn't see him. His focus is downfield.

Spc. Damon Bruce, D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, looks downfield during the Fall Flag Football League playoffs Saturday at Forward Operating Base Warrior.

For military in a combat zone such as Iraq the daily grind of missions in and outside of the wire often can be exhausting. However, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warrior service members have a diversion to the typical deployed life-flag football.

"It feels really good to play here," said Spc. Damon Bruce, D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment. "After working all of these long hours (in Iraq), playing football really gets your mind off of this place."

Spc. Damon Bruce, D Troop, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, lines up in shotgun formation during the Fall Flag Football League playoffs Saturday at Forward Operating Base Warrior.

Pfc. Anthony Simmons, E Troop, 2-6 Cav. Regt., agreed.

"It's great for me," Simmons said. "After working a 12-hour shift at the FARP (Forward Arming and Refueling Point), you have a lot of stress in you. But I can come over here to release some steam on the field and catch a few passes."

It's too late, the defender is a step too slow. The receiver firmly grasps the ball and tucks it in tight to his body as he runs across the field with defenders reaching for his flag.

As a member of the FARP unit for E Troop, 2-6 Cav. Regt., Sgt. Jermaine Seeger said his unit's leadership makes it possible for Soldiers to take a step away from the routine.

"We have good leadership," Seeger said. "Our job is to help the pilots get off the ground and keep them moving. We do have a little more (extra) time than other people, but at the same time, we have to stay ready and not get complacent. But (leadership) still gives us the time, maybe an hour or so, to get a game in."

The defender fully extends his body, reaching for the flag inches away.

The Bus Riders (offense) line up against the Posse during the Fall Flag Football League playoffs Saturday at Forward Operating Base Warrior.

The ball still tightly in his grip, the receiver turns the corner up field. He runs into the end zone untouched. His teammates are the only ones still running after him, celebrating like one of them actually crossed the goal line.

"Half of our team works the FARP operation and the other half works in the motor pool," Simmons said. "Out here we can unite as one."

"When you get all these guys out here playing, it's a boost in the unit moral," Bruce added. "It's a great help in building camaraderie in the unit. It feels good."

The team masses in the end zone celebrating the touchdown, giving no thoughts to the fact they are in Iraq.

"This is great what they have going on here at FOB Warrior," Seeger concluded. "It's fun and games, but the missions continue."

But now it's the playoffs, and every game counts.

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