In an offensive shoot-out, the San Quentin All-Madden flag football team fell to the visiting Chosen Christian Sports Ministry, 46-39.
The All-Madden mounted a fierce comeback, pulling to within one point of the Chosen at 40-39.
With 2:30 left in the game, the Chosen did not settle for running out the clock. Quarterback Adam Perez put a string of short passes and run plays together that set-up his premier receiver Andre Jackson. Jackson shook his defender and caught a 25-yard fade away touchdown pass to the corner of the end zone to seal the win.
“We have been doing that play since we were kids in high school,” said Perez. “I’m proud of how these guys have stuck with this program; we have been coming here since 2010.
“It shows if you stick with something you can be successful,” continued Perez. “You got all races, all colors and all tattoo styles on the same field working together.”
Jackson added, “We came for the ministry, to push each other around and still leave friends.”
Perez went 11-for-24 passing, 118 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for 38 yards.
Jackson had four catches for 137 yards, two touchdowns and a defensive interception for 20 yards.
“It’s always a battle with these guys,” said Dwight Kennedy, All-Madden new head coach. “I enjoy the fellowship from the visitors and being a part of an organization that includes all races.
“Sports in San Quentin are truly unique, and I appreciate the youngsters coming out and participating,” added Kennedy.
All-Madden quarterback/wide receiver John “Dunie” Windham had an all-star game. He showcased his speed under defensive pressure, twice running out of the pocket for two 90-yard touchdowns.
“We lost, but I believe in our team,” said Windham. “We will see them again.”
Windham went 4-for-7 passing for 140 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He caught two passes and rushed for 230 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Charles “Pookie” Sylvester quarterbacked the first half for All-Madden. He threw 4-for-7 for 60 yards and one touchdown.
“My hat’s off to everybody who participated from the players to the referees,” said Sylvester. “It was a good game; we can take this as a lesson learned.”
Notably missing was Chosen coach and spiritual leader Pastor Wayne Jackson. Normally he would give the players an uplifting speech at half-time, but he was stuck in the parking lot due to a clearance glitch.
So, Chosen Aaron Jones filled in for Jackson with the message of Sampson and Delilah, expressing that if you don’t heed God’s warning, God will step in to help correct the situation.
“It’s always a blessing coming here, but my prayer is not to see the same faces,” said Jones. “I know some of these guys when they get out, they will make the best of it.
Cleo Cloman, All-Madden defensive coordinator, concluded, “This is what we call community. We fellowship with good gentlemen from the outside, and we had fun.”
–Marcus Henderson