This year’s intramural sports season kicked off with flag football and volleyball in September, with the conclusion in mid-October.

Flag Football was popular again this year, with both men’s and co-recreational leagues.

With six teams in the men’s league and five teams in the co-rec league, the six weeks of games included upsets and dramatic triumphs.

Because all registered teams participate in single-elimination playoffs, all teams receive a fair chance to make it to the coveted championship game.

This semester’s championship games took place on Oct. 19 for the two leagues.

In the co-rec championship, All About That Hank and the Moreau Miracle went toe-to-toe in a tightly contested matchup.

With only seconds left in play time and the score tied at 15-15, Moreau Miracle’s Catherine Maloney caught the game-winning touchdown as time expired, sealing a 24-15 victory over All About That Hank.

“I am so happy I was able to help the team out, but it was really a collective effort between everyone,” Maloney said. “We had so much fun this season and I was glad we were able to get in one last win.”

In the men’s league, teams Freedom and Vipers competed for the coveted championship t-shirts.

In another close contest, the Vipers came up with a huge defensive stop to win the title.

Again, with seconds left, the Vipers led 26-18 when Freedom quarterback Henry Andrastek threw a touchdown pass to Julian Chicoine to bring the score to 26-24.

With no time left Freedom chose to go big and win the game with a three-point conversion attempt.

Their effort was unsuccessful, however, as the Vipers came up with the stop and the win.

“The game was definitely a thriller,” Vipers player Zach Riola said. “We breezed through the first half with a comfortable lead and were lucky enough to get some late turnovers allowing us to run out the clock and win.”

Win or lose, though, this season’s participants leave with fond memories.

“It is a great, friendly environment,” Freedom player Matt Dechant said. “You don’t have to be too serious; you can just go out there and have fun with your friends.”

Intramural Coordinator Mike Rubbo was also pleased with the results of this year’s flag football season, noting the excitement of championship weekend.

“I think it was a great finish to the season,” Rubbo said. “Both games were great match ups and I think the two best teams played each other, which made championship weekend really enjoyable.”

Students who were unable to play in either flag football or volleyball intramurals this season are encouraged to play in soccer and dodgeball leagues for the second half of this semester.

While registration for both leagues has passed, students are still able to be added to existing teams until the beginning of the playoffs.

There are also pop-up intramural events that will be held throughout the semester, such as the beach volleyball and kickball tournaments.