Chuck Barnes had not played football since his days as a running back for the Goochland Bulldogs in the mid-eighties, but through the years he has remained a big fan of the sport.
Upon getting the itch to play again, the 42-year-old Goochland resident found out about the Weekend Warrior Flag Football Association through an online search.
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Photo by Ken Odor
Back-up quarterback Mike Lackey, left, who was a walk-on at Ohio State, scrambles for more yardage in the Monday night game.
Noticing many teams and players from surrounding areas but few from Goochland, he decided to put together his own team and began posting notices around town to recruit players. Response was good, and the Goochland Gladiators became a reality in the spring of 2008.
“I found out about it when I saw a flyer that Chuck had put up in the Goochland Food Lion,” James Walker said.
The semi-contact men’s flag team plays in the WWFFA’s Henrico division, and offers an organized and affordable way for newcomers and experienced players alike to get together for a little weekly fun and gridiron competition.
“It’s a dream come true,” Walker added. “I had never played organized sports, and I don’t have a whole lot of athletic prowess, but it’s a real thrill for me. Both of my brothers played high school ball, and they play on our team too.”
Skill level on the squad ranges from beginners to guys with high school or even college-level experience. Receiver Mike Lackey was a walk-on at Ohio State.
Regardless of age, race, shape or size, the common goal is fun, respect and camaraderie.
“Sometimes we’ll get mad at each other out here, but it’s all in good fun,” Barnes said.
The goodwill extends to game officials as well.
“There are three to four referees per game, and they’re very helpful. Sometimes tell even us what we’re doing wrong,” Barnes added.
After huddling for a prayer before each game, the Gladiators take to the field at Crestview Elementary School for 60 run-clock minutes of eight-on-eight competition with a brief halftime break.
Rules peculiar to flag football competition include no downfield blocking, no “shielding” or covering of the flag, and of course no tackling or excessive contact. Passing plays are the most common, with quarterback-keepers close behind. Set running backs are rarely used to carry the ball.
The Gladiators’ performance has been streaky this season. They followed an 0-2 start with a dominant two-game winning streak, and now find themselves 2-4 with two regular season games remaining. With the two wins coming from within their division, the team is guaranteed at least one post-season game.
“We did practice some during the summer, but it was difficult with everybody’s different schedules,” Walker said. “So realistically, our first two games were really kind of like practices.”
Unlike the second-season Gladiators, many teams in the league have played together for years. Players with considerable flag experience, such as Reggie Anlowe, have accelerated the young team’s learning curve while they play.
The Fall season will conclude soon, with playoffs beginning in late November. The Gladiators hope to hit their stride at the right time.
Spring season will be here before you know it. For those interested in tryout information, contact Chuck Barnes at 804-370-7735.
