The Northwest barely had time to embrace its warm, sunny summer before daylight started arriving later and leaving earlier each day - signaling the approach of fall and winter sports.

While the pros gear up for the NFL season opener Wednesday, Joint Base Lewis-McChord teams are getting ready for the flag football season to begin.

The intramural sport kicks off with a preseason tournament Sept. 11 and 12. The first eight teams that turned in their registration paperwork are competing in the tournament.

JBLM flag football includes nine players per team on the field. There is no tackling, but blocking is allowed.

Cowan Stadium staff members, Denise Echols and Otis Sistrunk, will enforce two important rules for safety: screw-in metal cleats and pants or shorts with pockets are not allowed. Gloves are OK as long as they are not padded.

Last year about 35 teams participated in the sport, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 508th Military Police Battalion winning the Army title. Games will be played throughout the week as well as Saturdays to accommodate the number of teams in the popular sport.

At the conclusion of the football season, the Commander's Cup sports trophy will be awarded to the company team accumulating the most points during the intramural sports year. Last year, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 593rd Special Troops Battalion was awarded the cup for amassing the most installation points.

Army-Navy game

Lonnie Meredith, coach of the Army team, is already preparing for the annual Army-Navy flag football game in December. Army won last year's interservice grudge match 21-6 at Silverdale Stadium. For more information, contact Meredith at lonnie.meredith.civ@mail.mil.

Bench press, deadlift champs

The annual JBLM Body-building Championship was cancelled this year, but weightlifting competitors have another option to compete in the annual Bench Press and Deadlift Championships Oct. 20 at Soldiers Field House. Entry forms are at all JBLM sports and fitness centers and deadline to enter is Oct. 10. For more information call 967-5869.

Wrestling coming soon

The only other intramural activity this fall and winter besides football is a three-day wrestling tournament Nov. 6 to 8. For tournament information call Intramural Sports Coordinator Kathy Salcedo at 967-4768.

Race calendar winds down

Just three races are left in this year's race calendar. Next up is the JBLM Half Marathon Sept. 15 at 8 a.m. The start line is near the MWR event tent on Lewis Main.

Following the half marathon is the Turkey Trot 10K and 5K run Nov. 17, also at the event tent, and Santa's Reindeer Dash Dec. 8 at Eagles Pride Golf Course south of JBLM. The trot and dash are opportunities for runners to dress in their festive, creative best.

To register for a race visit www.jblmmwr.com/races.