Army, Air Force reignite football rivalry

Grid-iron supremacy was on the line as the 435th Security Forces Squadron, 30th Medical Command and four teams from the 18th Military Police Brigade battled in the second annual inter-service Sembach Flag Football Championship, Nov 18.
The Air Force was denied winning the title for the second year in a row by the 92nd MP Co., which pulled out a 15-8 victory, allowing the Army to claim bragging rights for another year.
In the inaugural tournament last year, the 435th SFS beat the Army to begin a rivalry that is not only in the spirit of competition but has strengthened the partnership between the military police and the security forces.
“I love the Air Force versus Army rivalry … it’s a good time,” said Bryan Meraz from the 435th SFS.
This tournament was arranged with the intent to bring a fun and entertaining event to the Soldiers, Airmen and families of Sembach’s growing community.
This year’s tournament had a slight change, as it began in multiple locations — Daenner Kaserne and Sembach Kaserne.
The 435th SFS earned the right to play in the championship game with a triple overtime 32-31 victory over the 230th MP Co. in the first semifinal game. In the second semifinal, the 92nd MP Co., stationed in Baumholder, defeated the 30th MED COM, 15-8.
“We had six teams in a really tight tournament. It began with group play … group one played on Sembach and group two played at Daenner,” said Jeff Thomas, an operations specialist with the 18th MP Bde.
After the group play, the top teams remaining were the 435th SFS, 230th MP Company, 92nd MP Co., and new to Sembach, 30th MED COM.
There are plans to continue these tournaments in sports such as football, baseball and basketball.