It’s just as serious a football rivalry as the Longhorns versus the Aggies. But it’s home grown right here in Bellaire.
The Bellaire Fire and Police Departments on Dec. 5 will square off for the 3rd annual Charity Flag Football Game. This year is the chance to really prove who is the best with a two-out-of-three win.
“We are going to beat them severely this year,” joked Fire Chief Darryl Anderson. “We are going to trounce them bad.”
But Officer Doug Clawson who is organizing the police team said they may have tricks up their sleeves this year. The force grew stronger with six new, young police officers this year who will be playing in the tournament.
“I think they have a shot at giving the fire department a run for their money,” Clawson said.
Residents who attend should bring new toys for children under 12 years old, or cans of food. The donations benefit families in need who have children at Gordon Elementary School.
“They have some of the poorest of the poor there,” Anderson said. Raffle prizes sponsored by local businesses will also be up for grabs, and the money will support the families.
Anderson said firemen had a rude awakening in 2007, the first year of the football game, when the police beat them 12 to 6. Last year the fire department got serious, really practiced and came back to beat the police 58 to 12, he said.
This year is no different. Firefighters have tried to meet every Saturday to practice their plays and get in shape.
“Me personally, I like to eat a lot in preparation,” Anderson said. He played offense last year, but he will switch to defense for the Dec. 5 game.
But Clawson said the police have held two weekly practices for the past couple months.
“It’s not going to be just a handover like it was last year,” he said. Incidentally, Clawson used to be a firefighter last year, so the new officer is actually switching allegiances this year.
The game starts at 12 p.m. at Episcopal High School, 4621 Fournace.
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