50p
The Fearless World of Flag Football
Brentwood Sundays are sacred. For some, they consist of an endless sleep in. For others, they follow the order of brunch, spikeball, bed. Many committed individuals even give up their time for the theatre and spend Sundays in musical practice while others trek to Brugos to cram for their upcoming tests. But this year, with the arrival of a 21st century prophet in the English Department, a new tradition has begun. Yes, Sunday Flag Football has arrived, and it is here to stay!
When Mr Collis Handford, or as he is better-known Toby “Pick Six”, returned to the Brentwood scene in September, he brought along a plethora of skills. Among those are a literary spark in the classroom, a Burt Reynolds-Esque mustache, and the amazing idea of Sunday Flag Football on the Brentwood turf.
The idea of Flag Football was a drop-in session that anyone could attend. Skill or experience did not matter, only determination and passion counted on the gridiron. With covid protocols, however, the traditional flag belt strategy was revised and gave way to a new “within six-foot” tackle system to make the game just as interesting but much more COVID proof.
The first session was on Sunday, September 26 and numbers were low but the talent was off the charts. Due to the early start time, there were few early participants, but as time went on, the hype began to build and the numbers, just like Ben Z, Privett ‘21’s pass completion rate, grew exponentially.
After five immaculate Sundays filled with toe-tapping madness from Harbalneet N, Rogers ‘22 and route running perfection from Adrienne R, Hope ‘21, the event everyone in the school was waiting for had been announced, the First Annual Ice Bowl. Think Super Bowl, but times 100. On November 22, four teams hit the field and battled for supremacy. Leads were lost, ankles were shattered, celebrations were tasteful and hearts were broken. When all was said and done, Cannon’s Cannons lead by quarterback Buchannon F, Rogers ‘21, took home the W and with it eternal fame and glory.
When asked what inspired him to bring Flag Football to Brentwood, Mr Collis Handford replied that “Flag football is a marriage between humankind’s greatest tool (our hands) and humankind’s greatest dream (flight). While a soaring football’s path may be ephemeral, its beauty is unparalleled and worth celebrating.”
According to Mr Collis Handford, our SportsCenter top three plays of the season are as follows: Avik B, Privett ‘23 out-jumping his older brother Ankit in the back of the end zone for a game-winning snag. Abby S, Mackenzie ‘21 and company creating the nearly indefensible “somersault” route. A blistering 35-yard pass from Jacob B, Ellis ‘24 to Nathan K, Ellis ‘24 for a go-ahead touchdown in the first-ever Ice Bowl. When asked about his favourite part of Flag Football, avid attendee and star receiver/running back/corner/safety, Avik B, Privett ‘23, was quick to say that “The ability to play another sport at Brentwood in such a fun and competitive environment is really what makes Sunday football the very best. It is a great way to start Sunday and it has brought me a newfound love for a sport I had never experienced.”
Flag Football has continued after Winter Break and the high demand has led to a later time slot so there are no excuses to not bless the field with your presence. This weekly, one-hour session of blood, sweat and touchdowns is sure to become a tradition cemented into Brentwood history.
Tommy M, Privett ‘23
When Mr Collis Handford, or as he is better-known Toby “Pick Six”, returned to the Brentwood scene in September, he brought along a plethora of skills. Among those are a literary spark in the classroom, a Burt Reynolds-Esque mustache, and the amazing idea of Sunday Flag Football on the Brentwood turf.
The idea of Flag Football was a drop-in session that anyone could attend. Skill or experience did not matter, only determination and passion counted on the gridiron. With covid protocols, however, the traditional flag belt strategy was revised and gave way to a new “within six-foot” tackle system to make the game just as interesting but much more COVID proof.
The first session was on Sunday, September 26 and numbers were low but the talent was off the charts. Due to the early start time, there were few early participants, but as time went on, the hype began to build and the numbers, just like Ben Z, Privett ‘21’s pass completion rate, grew exponentially.
After five immaculate Sundays filled with toe-tapping madness from Harbalneet N, Rogers ‘22 and route running perfection from Adrienne R, Hope ‘21, the event everyone in the school was waiting for had been announced, the First Annual Ice Bowl. Think Super Bowl, but times 100. On November 22, four teams hit the field and battled for supremacy. Leads were lost, ankles were shattered, celebrations were tasteful and hearts were broken. When all was said and done, Cannon’s Cannons lead by quarterback Buchannon F, Rogers ‘21, took home the W and with it eternal fame and glory.
When asked what inspired him to bring Flag Football to Brentwood, Mr Collis Handford replied that “Flag football is a marriage between humankind’s greatest tool (our hands) and humankind’s greatest dream (flight). While a soaring football’s path may be ephemeral, its beauty is unparalleled and worth celebrating.”
According to Mr Collis Handford, our SportsCenter top three plays of the season are as follows: Avik B, Privett ‘23 out-jumping his older brother Ankit in the back of the end zone for a game-winning snag. Abby S, Mackenzie ‘21 and company creating the nearly indefensible “somersault” route. A blistering 35-yard pass from Jacob B, Ellis ‘24 to Nathan K, Ellis ‘24 for a go-ahead touchdown in the first-ever Ice Bowl. When asked about his favourite part of Flag Football, avid attendee and star receiver/running back/corner/safety, Avik B, Privett ‘23, was quick to say that “The ability to play another sport at Brentwood in such a fun and competitive environment is really what makes Sunday football the very best. It is a great way to start Sunday and it has brought me a newfound love for a sport I had never experienced.”
Flag Football has continued after Winter Break and the high demand has led to a later time slot so there are no excuses to not bless the field with your presence. This weekly, one-hour session of blood, sweat and touchdowns is sure to become a tradition cemented into Brentwood history.
Tommy M, Privett ‘23