About 60 flag football enthusiasts played under the Friday night lights in Lovelock last weekend. Many of them had never met, but by the end of the evening, they were friends.
,PCHS AD Mike Brooks organized the fundraiser to benefit the Pershing County Mustang football team.
You see them sometimes – running early in the morning before the heat hits. They’re also working out in the weight room. Putting the off-season to good use is a longstanding group norm.
Brooks likes flag football. He travels to Calif., Reno, Phoenix and Dallas to play the sport and is thrilled to bring it to Lovelock.
“I just like to compete,” he says, adding, “I’m 35 and can’t be taking hits. This game is a lot safer, and the teams only play five players at a time – rather than 15 or 20. Flag football doesn’t take a toll on the body like regular football.”
He sees other advantages to the sport.
“You don’t have to be a big athlete. There are various versions and what we played tonight is non-contact so smaller people can play.”
He didn’t play at the tournament but chose the playlist and hosted the eight-team tourney. Players came from Lovelock, Reno, Elko, Fernley, Sacramento and the Bay Area.
The sound system proved its worth. Sports-hype pumped the players up, getting them in the right emotional state to compete.
The Mustang’s roster included Buzz Brooks, Derrik McKinney, Hiram Knight and others. They played as free agents.
“We were misfits put together from northern Nevada and one from Washington,” said Knight. “I had never met the guys before, but they were great to play with. We did alright – won the B division. It was enjoyable to play an organized game of flag football, with refs, penalties and all.”
The SYRZ from San Jose won the Division A trophy. Nancy Nguyen is their MVP. The Mustang’s team captain chose Mitch Fong as MVP.
Later, the championship teams displayed their trophies and commemorative tee-shirts. The MVPs each got a bucket hat to add to their collections.
Spectators were few but merry. Dozens of players approached Tom Brooks to shake his hand.
He coached and taught many of them during his years as the PCHS shop instructor and, later, principal.
Jordan and Damien McKinney rooted for their son, Derrik. Lisa Moura threw support to Devin, QB for Lovelock’s Pershing County Mustangs.
“It was fun watching teams from all over compete and have a great time,” said Shea Murphy. “Of course, Dan and I loved watching Davis play as a precursor to his football season in the fall.” Davis (Class of 2019) plays with the Shasta Knights.
“I’m thankful to all the teams and players for making it here, the school for allowing the event, the referees, the City of Lovelock and Nevada Infusion for the sponsorships,” said Mike Brooks.
He estimates the tournament raised about $1,000 for the football program. Soon, he’ll put it to use. The 2021-2022 PCHS football season is just a blink away.
