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| East and West after the game. |
The early morning fog lifted just in time for the first C Platoon Turkey Bowl to get underway. The East and West Battalion companies met Monday morning at the Cherry Hill Township turf field off Chapel Ave. just after working their shift for a gentle, peaceful game of flag football. The East Battalion, dressed in red and led by team captain Sal Paolini, also had a surprise walk on, Battalion Chief William Stallfort. The West Battalion, in their home field black uniforms, took the turf behind their team captain, FF Joe Gerace – who played every down of the entire game, and with a broken finger.
The peaceful and passive game was marked by several notable plays. Most notable is the organization of the event and game play of both team captains. Each contributed exceptional play to their respective teams; Gerace having 3 touchdowns (including 1 interception that led to a touchdown), and Paolini playing in nearly every position and involved in every score by the East side, and also included an interception.
Other notable plays: East Battalion: Stackhouse – interception, touchdown passes, several “gentle” tackles; Cabaza – two touchdown receptions; Sarli-Prelle – multiple quarterback hurries; Kinky – two touchdown passes. West Battalion: Williams - #1 receiver, one touchdown; Wood – several receptions and tackles, Oberle – several “tackles”.
The game was characterized by the West dominating the first half, and then the East rallying a comeback to go ahead by one score in the second half. Late in the second half, on 3rd and long, the West’s Lt. DiRenzo beat Captain Paolini for about a 35 yard reception to keep the West alive. It ultimately led to the West tying the game with only 50 seconds left. As stated: at the end of the game no team emerged as the winners, but all survived.
C Platoon thanks off duty FF D’Alessandro for “officiating” the game. Please visit the Flickr site for more pictures of the Turkey Bowl.
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| One of several Gerace receptions. |
Big interception for the West Side
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| Paolini catches and evades tackle. |
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| DiDomenico being "tackled" |
Another Tommy D saves of the day
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| Just a peaceful game of flag football. |
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| Enough said. |
