In a spectacle that would make Elvis himself proud, the Idaho Vandals recently faced off against the Sacramento State Hornets in a flag football showdown for the ages. The Vandals emerged victorious, and let’s just say it was a hootin’, hollerin’, and hip-shakin’ good time!
From the get-go, it was clear that the Vandals meant business. Team captains Mateo and Gavin strutted onto the field like the kings of rock ‘n’ roll, ensuring that the Vandals started with the ball. The Hornets, resembling a swarm of confused bees, had their antennae in a twist. Things were rolling as Luca, “You can call me Peter”, kicked things off with a run that shook the Hornets’ defense to its core.
You see, folks, Luca’s early runs have become a Vandal tradition, a bit like grandma’s secret recipe for apple pie. Harrison electrified the crowd and swooped in with an interception, leaving the Hornets buzzing with anxiety, now everyone started realizing they were in for a wild ride! And speaking of wild rides, Mason tore off like a ’57 Chevy down the corner for another big gain!!
Both Mason and Luca kept the good times rollin’ with key first-down runs that made the Vandals look more unstoppable than a jukebox loaded with your favorite hits. But the game got real interesting when Atticus decided to pull a rabbit out of his socks, taking the ball for a fake reverse and throwing a deep bomb to Harrison for a touchdown! Harrison’s sudden star power had everyone thinking he’s secretly an Elvis impersonator moonlighting as a flag football player.
Then there’s Luca, folks. This shifty soccer player/football star played defense and offense like a champ, pulling flags and racking up yards faster than you can say, “Thank you, thank you very much or merci beaucoup!”.
The second quarter saw the Hornets mount their most impressive drive of the game. Fans held their breath, fearing a Hornets score. But Ezra, like a superhero with a cape made of interceptions, leaped into the air and snagged one! But wait, there’s more! Ezra decided he wanted to visit the endzone himself, scoring the first pick-six of the Vandals’ season. Coach Ben had a tear in his eye as he watched the Vandals’ hard work pay off. And the scoring party didn’t stop there!
Facing a crucial third-and-long, Coach Steve put the game in the hands of star quarterback Wyatt. After Wyatt has a quick chat with Atticus, the spunky QB launched a prayer of a pass down the sideline in the face of a relentless Hornets pass rush …. Wyatt sent a rainbow to the football gods, and Atticus leaped into the air like an acrobat at the county fair to make the catch for a massive score.
Coach Steve couldn’t believe his eyes, explaining later to reporters, “I didn’t know Wyatt could throw it that far, and I then I thought he threw it out the back of the endzone. I couldn’t believe it was a touchdown!”
As the third quarter began, the Vandals’ confidence soared higher than a rocket to the moon. The Vandals’ defense locked in, with almost zero missed tackles. Mason got himself a quarterback sack that kept the Vandals’ momentum rolling. But just as it seemed the Vandals were cruising to victory, the Hornets’ defense tightened its grip.
But fear not, dear readers, for in the world of flag football, nothing is predictable. Wyatt spotted Mateo open for a big gain, and before you could say “huckleberry pie,” Mateo raced gracefully to the endzone for one of the longest touchdown receptions of the season!
As the fourth quarter kicked off, the Vandals could taste victory, and they clamped down on defense like a vice grip on a milkshake. Gavin, their star running back, dashed through the line of scrimmage, leaving the Hornets in despair. To keep things spicy, Coach Sam flew in from Germany to guide the fourth-quarter offense. Just when it looked like the Hornets were about to stage a comeback, Gavin silenced their hopes with a double flag pull that made the Hornets’ flags disappear faster than a magician’s coin trick.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the Idaho Vandals’ sensational victory, an explosive flag football spectacle that left everyone singing, “Vandal-rockin’ in the free world!” Until next time, keep on dancing in the endzone and keep the fun flag football spirit alive!
As always – thanks to Luca’s mom Tina for keeping track of game highlites and Harrison’s mom Mariette for the great photos!
The Vandals will keep working hard with a Thursday 5:00 pm practice at Poinsettia Elementary.
Find the Vandals at their next game (10/13) on Poinsettia Park Baseball Field 5 (same as last two games) at 6:50 p.m.. Vandals will start warm ups at 6:20 p.m. in the usual spot.