A three-year winning streak came to a sudden end this year as Niagara Falls firefighters stunned Falls police in their annual charity flag football game.
But the real winners of Friday’s contest were those who rely on the Packard Court Community Center.
Perfect football weather helped pack the stands. And that resulted in a win for the Packard Court Community Center, the game’s designated charity.
“It was a good turnout and the more people we have, the more money we make (for charity),” Gonzalez said.
Proceeds from ticket sales and a basket raffle fund the charity donation. This year’s donation rang in at $3,000.
Gonzalez said the Packard Court Community Center was selected as the recipient charity because both police and firefighters were familiar with it and its work with youth from the area.
“People had mentioned it to us and we like to use the money for youth-related charities,” Gonzalez said. “We’d heard a lot of good things about (the center) and I’ve seen it. It’s awesome.”
The center’s director, Samika Sullivan, was surprised by the donation.
“We didn’t tell them (in advance), so yeah, they were very surprised,” Gonzalez said. “It was kind of cool to keep it as a surprise.”
As for the game, the firefighters thrashed their law enforcement counterparts by a final score of 27-7 at the LaSalle Prep football field.
“It was a good game. We had our opportunities,” said Falls Police Officer Gabe Gonzalez, one of the game’s organizers. “They came to play. Their offense was good, their defense made plays. They outplayed us in every aspect of the game. They were due.”
Gonzalez said struggles by the police team in the red zone sealed their fate.
“We got to the red zone, but couldn’t push it in,” Gonzalez said.