Flag Football 2004: 1405 United

The concept of an “iron man” has been tossed about for years by sports enthusiasts and commentators alike. Players like Brett Favre are celebrated for streaks of unrivaled excellence, praised for showing up to play week after week. Lost in this discussion is the fact that the phrase once referred to those players who gave it their all every game – on both sides of the ball. For these players, there are no breathers on the sideline, and there certainly are no breaks. These warriors step forward on every single play, throwing blocks, catching passes, and making tackles. These players are “iron men,” and, on January 17-18, 2004, 1405 United featured eight such men.

This year’s flag football tournament in Las Vegas marked the fourth consecutive year that 1405 United has suited up to play ball. Unfortunately, 2004 also served as the low point in terms of team attendance. What once looked like a squad of 12-14 players slowly slipped to ten, nine, and eventually eight. Unaffected by this turn of events, these eight players determined to leave everything they had on the football field, and, for three hours over the course of two days, that is exactly what they did. The results may not have been ideal – three losses dropped the team’s career record in Las Vegas to 1-12 – but the effort could not be denied.

Faced with an evenly-matched opponent for Saturday’s early morning contest, 1405 United showed that first-day jitters are a thing of the past. The Fresno Ruskies were ruffled by the team’s zone early on, leading to a pair of interceptions. 1405 United’s offense, meanwhile, was rolling. Quarterback Josh Freeman connected on a deep bomb down the right-hand side to receiver Colin Pajot, spotting the underdogs an early 6-0 lead. The Ruskies eventually tied the game, but a second half touchdown pass from Freeman to Tony DiPasquale put 1405 United back on top. Pajot’s two-point conversion bumped the lead to eight, but a pair of late scores ultimately gave the Ruskies a narrow victory, 20-14.

Against the tournament’s top seed, 1405 United delivered an equally impressive effort, even if the results were less than spectacular. Despite having initial difficulties with the option game deployed by the San Diego Highlanders, 1405 United trailed by only six points at the half. The team’s players were truly taxed during this game, with quarterback Josh Freeman nursing an injured shoulder and wide receiver John Parris pressed into duty behind center. The team scrapped and clawed its way throughout the game, but the Highlanders proved too much in the end, using some late scores to finally pull away, 25-0.

Sunday morning brought more cold temperatures but a 1405 United team that was finally beginning to heat up. Saddled with a game against the tournament’s second-seeded Seminoles, 1405 United set an aggressive tone from the outset. 1405 United’s zone defense baffled the favorites, and, even with numerous missed opportunities, the challengers trailed 6-0 at the half. On the first drive of the second half, Freeman found center Mark Milone for the tying score, then hit DiPasquale to put the team ahead 7-6. Unfortunately, the Seminoles rallied to pull ahead 12-7. A few late chances fizzled just short of the end zone, and the Seminoles tacked on a meaningless score at the end, winning 18-7.

Three games, three gallant efforts. With Jonathan Ricard and Matt Milone applying pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, opponents were on the run all weekend. Mark Milone and John Parris led a stifling defense that clogged the middle in every game. Jerry Wroght clamped down on the opposing teams’ top receiving threats throughout the tournament, letting precious few balls get past him. Every single player showed tremendous heart on the field, as did the team’s loyal fan base, braving freezing temperatures to cheer on the men. Next season’s tourney may bring more success and, hopefully, more players, but memories of the 2004 tournament will surely last a lifetime.

Team Roster

Results

Fresno Ruskies 20, 1405 United 14
San Diego Highlanders 25, 1405 United 0
Seminoles 18, 1405 United 7

See Also: Flag Football 2001, Flag Football 2002

Submitted 1/20/04.