Hornets vs. state police: The flags will be flying

Bears have acquired talent from all over the state for game with semipro squad

Friday, May 02, 2008 - 12:06 AM 

By FRED JETER

TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Tomorrow is one day the Virginia State Police will have to leave their radar guns behind.

No speeding tickets will be handed out, regardless how fast Virginia Hornets receivers run fly patterns in a flag football game.

With Special Olympics as the beneficiary, a team of state police, called the Bears, will meet the semipro Hornets at 1 p.m. at Highland Springs High. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for under 12.

"We're doing it for a good cause, but obviously we still want to win," said special agent Michael Jenkins, who figures to be the Bears' quarterback.

Jenkins has recruited state police from the far corners of the state who have been practicing at headquarters on Midlothian Turnpike.

"Mostly, it's area men," he said. "But we've got them coming from Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach . . . all over."

Jenkins, a former Hermitage High (Class of 2000) player, says his roster includes "a lieutenant, first sergeant, three sergeants . . . even a dispatcher."

The Bears' roster includes John Rehme, who played at Virginia Tech from 1989-91. Coached by Perk Jefferson (Thomas Dale, Class of '78), the Hornets were 18-3 last year in the Eastern Football Alliance.

While saying, "It's all in fun," Jefferson added, "We're coming full force. We're bring the fast receivers and defensive backs, and the big guys, too. This is the 300-pound guys' chance to catch a pass."

In eight-on-eight flag football, everyone is an eligible receiver. Almost every play involves a pass. There is no downfield blocking. Still, the action can get heated along the line of scrimmage.

The Hornets would seem to be younger, bigger and faster, but Jefferson doesn't expect a cakewalk.

"From what I hear, they've been recruiting the top athletes from all over Virginia," he said.

Jefferson said his team has one regret about tomorrow's ground rules.

"A lot of our guys say they'd like to put on the pads and play real tackle," he said. "That way they could get revenge."

Jefferson said the more physical the game, the better his side will like it.

"We won't be crying 'police brutality,'" he said with a laugh.