Tough game ends in tie

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Typically, a tie is not a desirable conclusion to an athletic contest, but, when your team overcomes two 13-point deficits, it is better than the alternative; losing.

Andrew Draime of the 436th Force Support Squadron/Comptroller Squadron caught a touchdown pass with three minutes remaining to bring their game against the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron B team to a 20-20 tie in an American League game on Monday night.

With the tie, FSS/CPTS moves to 4-5-2, while CES B team moves to 4-4-1.

"My biggest thanks goes to our defensive line," said FSS/CPTS player-coach Matt McKenzie. "They gave their quarterback no room to throw in the second half. Our defensive backs were tall enough to stay with their receivers."

CES B jumped out early on FSS/CPTS. Following an interception and a three-and-out, CES B had a 13-0 lead. Just before halftime the FSS/CPTS defense stiffened, forcing its own three-and-out and putting together a drive resulting in a touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-7 at halftime.

In the second half, CES B took its opening possession to paydirt to take a 20-7 lead. On the ensuing possession, FSS/CPTS drove 58 yards, with 54 of them coming on a Tanaj Stevenson dash down the sideline. After a failed two-point conversion, CES B led 20-13.

After FSS/CPTS forced a turnover on downs at its own 24-yardline, they marched down, and Draime's catch knotted the score at 20-20.

CES B was able drive down to the FSS/CPTS 16-yardline, with 30 seconds left in the game. But three consecutive incomplete passes followed, ending the game in a tie since overtime is only played in the playoffs.

Eric Chapman, CES B player/coach, said FSS/CPTS was able to adjust from their mistakes early on, and caught his defense off-guard with the running game, which led to scores.

"We just weren't ready for [their running game]," Chapman said. "It was good play calling on their part. They learned from their mistakes and their defense played well at the end. They found out who our key players were and defended them well."

McKenzie said he was glad his team was able to catch the CES B defense off guard.

"The run game changed our momentum," McKenzie said. "The runs got us more yards than we expected. We're happy to tie. A tie is better than a loss."