Airmen champion Turkey Bowl

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Angela Ruiz
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. --  Airmen from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base competed against soldiers at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., during the annual Turkey Bowl flag football game, Nov. 14.

"The intent is to kick off the holiday season, boost morale, promote camaraderie, and win unit bragging rights," said Julius Gonzales, Turkey Bowl coordination officer from Fort Huachuca.

The Desert Lightning team consisted of 25 Airmen and four coaches from several units across the base. They met three times a week in preparation for the game.

"It was a really tough game, back and forth," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Vincent Howard, Desert Lightning team coach. "We scored first then the Army came back and scored. We had 1 play left, we either scored or we lose. 

The touchdown run on D-M's final down of possession by Senior Airman Philip Taylor, DLT quarterback from the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, sealed the deal.
"There is no better feeling than scoring a last minute touchdown to win a game and have your teammates rush over cheering you on, high-fiving you, hugging you, and patting you on the back as you walk off the field," said Taylor. "I couldn't have scored without everyone out there doing exactly what they needed to do."

D-M's Desert Lightning Team scored two touchdowns within the final 30 seconds of the game against Fort's Huachuca Black Knights, taking the lead and the win over Fort Huachuca. The final score was 18-7.

"Winning is great but it's kind of awesome to see everyone come together," Howard said. "I was proud of them."