July 12, 2004 – St. Croix men, from age 18 up until 40, have found they don't have to sit in front of a TV to enjoy a good football game. Every Sunday afternoon they can hone their own skills on the athletic field behind the St. Croix Educational Complex.
According to Danley McIntosh, president of STX Men's Flag Football Association, over 100 men now participate in the league and the league keeps growing.
While watching the action Sunday, he said two years ago the league, which is eight years old, had five teams. It now has six and hopes to add another team next year.
The games start at the beginning of June and run through mid August. McIntosh said that many college men take part on their summer breaks.
Last Sunday, as usual, three games were scheduled. The first game started at 3 p.m. and the Warriors won it 14 to 7 over the Panthers. The second game scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. was forfeiture by Bravehearts to the Stallions.
The final game started at 7 p.m. and the Knights won 64 to 0 over the Raiders. Residents are welcome to watch the games free of charge.
McIntosh said he hopes to improve the association's recruitment method next year. Now, individual teams do their own recruiting. McIntosh said, "I would like to do something more like a draft, where each team gets to see all the new players."
The association this year expanded into international play, going to competition in Santo Domingo. In February Team St. Croix finished fifth in 8-man team competition there and sixth in 9-man team competition. Teams from England, the United States, Uruguay, Cayman Islands and Santo Domingo competed. McIntosh said he expects the St. Croix men to continue competing each year on the international level. The international competition will probably be held in the United States next year.
Flag football is a full contact sport. McIntosh said injuries do happen, but they try to keep them down "by increasing the skill level of the players."
Next Sunday action will begin again at 3 p.m. Championship playoff are scheduled for Aug. 15.
After action last Sunday, the Knights remained in first place with a 6-0 record; the Stallions are second with a 5-1 record.
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