Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 508th Military Police Battalion flag football team's roster took some hits this year.
The 2010 Army Joint Base Lewis-McChord champions lost five of its players throughout the season - some due to deployments. After the MPs defeated GSSC, 1st Special Forces Group, 8-6, to repeat as installation champions Dec. 1, it made the win that more meaningful.
With the win, the MPs earned the right to play the top Air Force team for what has rapidly become an interservice sports highlight of the year since McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis combined to form JBLM less than two years ago.
"It feels good that we could take it home for them," said Keith Robinson of the MPs.
Playing under the lights at Cowan Stadium, the 508th MPs were down 6-0 at the end of the first half. David Sadlemyer connected with Will Alley on a 4-yard toss to even the score, and Sadlemyer converted again for the point after to take the lead 8-6. Robinson had the game-ending interception with 25 seconds left to seal the win.
"I was looking at the quarterback and I was watching his eyes and he threw the ball my way. I had to go get it," Robinson said.
The championship game was a battle of the unbeatens.
Both teams entered the finale 11-0-1, and the low scoring final score attests to the parity of the teams and their level of play.
"This is our lowest scoring game of the year," Sadlemyer said. "They played tough. Their defense was on it."
The regular season ended in early November and the playoffs didn't begin until after a monthlong hiatus. The teams played back to back to back and some of the players were also practicing for the annual Army vs. Navy flag football game two days after the championship.
"We're worn out and tired, but it's worth it," said Sadlemyer, who was also the quarterback in the Army vs. Navy game.
1st SFG quarterback Quintin Gee completed a 20-yard touchdown pass to Steven Thomas for their only score.
Joseph Murray punched in a four-yard touchdown run with 26 seconds left to lift the 593rd Sustainment Brigade to a 12-6 victory over the 63rd Ordnance Company in the consolation game for third place.
"I had to complete the mission," Murray said.
The MPs go on to play the McChord Field Air Force champs for JBLM bragging rights.
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