LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Air superiority - it's what the 1st Fighter Wing does best.
The 1st Medical Group flag football team proved they're no different.
The team, led by quarterback Doug Grabowski, 1st Dental Squadron, launched a passing assault on the 1st Security Forces Squadron team, securing a 13-6 victory here Oct. 1.
The quarterback exercised poise and confidence in the pocket, evading the pass rush and delivering several long-ball throws downfield, finding receivers on key drives. In addition to a strong arm, Grabowski was crafty on his feet, rushing for one out of every four plays.
"We've got tall wide receivers with great hands in our receiving core," he said. "They can get downfield and shake defenders well."
The security forces team's initial defensive strategy consisted of blitz schemes paired with man-to-man coverage; however, the 1st MDG was consistently able to withstand the punishing pass rush, allowing completions for first downs.
Burned early by the 1st MDG, 1st SFS countered the passing attack with zone coverage in the second half. Just as defensive backs blanketed the flats downfield, Grabowski scrambled out of the pocket and rushed with the ball for positive yards.
"My line gave me great blocks, and I found the gaps I needed," he said. "I'd much rather carry the ball on my own than throw a pick."
The 1st SFS team was anchored by a gutsy quarterback of its own, Emmanuel Lynch. Lynch displayed proficient running ability when his receiver pool dried up under dense coverage downfield.
Perhaps the biggest factor behind the 1st SFS' inability to capitalize on strong drives was the high amount of botched and high snaps Lynch took while under center. Nearly every snap was grabbed at or above eye-level, with one snap clearing the quarterback's hands completely.
Despite losing the contest, the physical 1st SFS team challenged the 1st MDG team, limiting their offensive production and even stopping a point-after attempt.
"They're definitely the best team we've played yet," said Grabowski. "We're looking forward to playing them again."