Photo By Tech. Sgt. Micaiah Anthony | Fans watch as the Shreveport-Bossier Knights play against the Collin County Rattlers...... read more read more
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SHREVEPORT, La. - The game of football has gone through many changes since 1869. There have been numerous different leagues, rules, styles and equipment. Even the football itself has changed over the years. One factor has remained constant over time; the love of the game.
Barksdale has been known to host several flag football games and championships throughout the year. However four of Barksdale’s airmen have decided to take their love of the game and their skills to the next level.
“Playing flag football on base was fun, but it felt like something was missing,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Hoffman, 2nd Munitions Squadron. “Being able to put football pads on again and have full contact really takes me back to my high school days.”
Hoffman, quarterback, Staff Sgt. Daniel Wass, line backer, Airman 1st Class Joseph Palacios, line backer/defensive end and Airman 1st Class Dante Eason, defensive end/safety, volunteered to play for a minor professional football team called the Shreveport-Bossier Knights.
The Minor Professional Football League is split into two conferences and four divisions. The Knights are part of the American Conference in the Metro Division.
“We have five teams in our division, 11 teams in our conference and 20 teams in the entire league,” said Hoffman.
The Knights aren’t just your run-of-the-mill football team. They also support the local community.
“We have a football camp coming up for kids to learn more about the game,” said Hoffman. “We also visit local schools, the Boys and Girls Club, Providence House and Sutton Children’s Medical Center to interact with the kids and emphasize the importance of a good education.”
The airmen playing for the Knights are taking what they learned in the Air Force and applying it on the field.
“The military molds you to be a mature, level headed leader, which is a valuable characteristic in any sport,” said Wass. “We also hold ourselves to a higher standard when it comes to commitment.”
Playing football also helps the airmen stay in shape and meet or exceed Air Force standards.
“Playing football promotes fitness, running, training and lifting weights,” said Hoffman. “You’re not just sitting on the couch reminiscing about your high school days, you’re out there doing it.”
Physical fitness isn’t the only benefit from playing in the MPFL. Players can be scouted and can go to the next level.
“You can get picked up by professional football teams. I’ve even seen people get scholarships to play for colleges,” said Hoffman.
The Knights already kicked off their season but it isn’t too late to catch them in action or join the team. Their next home game is scheduled for March 17 against the Cooke County Outlaws at Lee Hedges Stadium in Shreveport. Discounts are available for military members. To find out more information about the Knights visit www.sbknights.org.
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2012 12:43 |
| Story ID: | 85102 |
| Location: | SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA, US |
| Hometown: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Hometown: | WYALUSING, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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