UCLA crushes USC in IM football

UCLA 13 USC 6

While UCLA may have lost to USC in this year’s football
game, they fared much better in the flag football match between the
two. Two all-star teams comprised of intramural and fraternity flag
football stars squared off against one another on Friday afternoon
at the Staples Center.

UCLA emerged victorious by a score of 13-6.

Danny Framsted, who acted as the Bruins’ coach, attributed
the win largely to the team’s excellent defensive play.
UCLA’s defense, anchored by cornerback Mark Steinberg and
receiver/pass rusher Manny Natera, who had two sacks, gave up just
one touchdown and frustrated the Trojan offense all game long.

The Bruins struck first in Friday’s game with a touchdown
pass to Natera and took a 7-0 lead into halftime. The Trojans tried
to mount a comeback in the second half, scoring a touchdown five
minutes in, but they failed to convert on the extra point attempt,
making the score 7-6.

On the ensuing possession, UCLA drove the length of the 50-yard
football field to score on Natera’s second touchdown
reception, putting the Bruins up 13-6. With the clock running out,
the Trojans charged down near the Bruins’ goal line and came
close to tying the game. UCLA’s defense held, however, and
the game ended when USC’s final pass and last chance to tie
the game was batted down in the end zone.

The game, which is the first of its kind between the two schools
in what organizers hope will become annual tradition, was intended
partly as a fund raiser but did not draw much of a crowd. Chad
Brown, one of the event’s coordinators, said he hopes that in
future years the rivalry between the two schools could help to
build up interest and attendance at the game. If the event becomes
a popular tradition, Brown thinks that the game could become an
effective fund raiser for the athletic departments of both
schools.

Jerry Calkins, who played for the Bruins and was last
year’s student coordinator, wants to send the team to the
regional championships in Tuscon, Ariz. One of the team’s
veteran leaders, he thinks the Bruins would have an excellent
chance of winning there if they could only find the funding to go.
Whether or not the team goes this year or in future years remains
to be seen.

Compiled by Brendan Hickey, Daily Bruin Contributor.