JBSA-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 59th Dental Group forced four interceptions off 688th Information Operations Wing quarterback Turner Phillips to attain a 38-0 victory Tuesday.
Dental improves to 6-0 in National League flag football play. With the defense setting the tone early, quarterback Ricky Guajardo didn't have to make much of a presence on the field. Guajardo needed only eight plays during Dental's first drive to complete his first touchdown to cornerback/wide receiver John Grey for an early 6-0 score.
After Dental's early touchdown drive, its defense's impact was felt.
Grey made the first interception after four plays during 688th's first drive.
Dental went back to work on offense, but it didn't take a lot of time for them to score again. Guajardo found Grey for another touchdown, before connecting with him again on the one-point conversion and a 13-0 lead.
The 688th IOW offense tried to get back out on the field and narrow the 13-point deficit, but was sent back to the sidelines after one play - twice.
Grey and Aaron Johnson had back-to-back interceptions on IOW's first play the next two drives.
Guajardo and wide receiver Brandis Dixon scored on ensuing plays after both interceptions.
It didn't take long for the defense to strike again as safety Michael Smith forced IOW's fourth interception of the first half. The interception led to a three-play drive, capped off by a 10-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Levon Harrison.
As has been common throughout the season, Dental's early routs of its opposition have proven to be all she wrote.
"We try to capitalize on every possession just like last year," Grey said. "It's all about communicating amongst each other.
"Today, everybody was on point, and we clicked on all cylinders."
Harrison, who calls the defense "stingy" for not wanting to give up points, said the early routs allow every member of the Dental roster to get a morsel -sized amount of playing time.
"The faster we get ahead, the faster we can get everybody in to play," he said. "Our defense is stingy because we don't like giving up points."
While the team is competing against its opposition, Harrison said they are also competing among themselves to determine who can get the most interceptions. His teammates agree.
"Just for fun, we like to be competitive amongst ourselves," Grey said. "Trying to get interceptions allows us to stay on our toes on defense."