Representatives of the 5th Armored Brigade from McGregor Range, N.M., are recognized for the highest small-unit attendance during Saturday’s Texas vs. the Nation game. Photo by Peter Gonzales.

Nation trumps Texas in all-star football game

Capt. Tamara Gonzales

11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

It was a meeting of players from across the country, playing head to head in fierce competition. Team Texas’ players were from or had an affiliation with the state, while their opponents, Team Nation, had players from the rest of the United States. The two teams faced off Saturday at Sun Bowl Stadium with the Nation coming out on top 27-24.

The crowd erupted with applause when the players ran onto the field. Everyone then stood as the color guard, followed by the 62nd Army Band and a formation of Soldiers from 1st Armored Division, marched onto the field.

After the national anthem, Fort Bliss Command Sgt. Maj. Robert S. Rodgers, Command Sgt. Maj. David Kiel and Cpl. Kyle Pelatt from the Warrior Transition Battalion, El Paso Mayor John Cook and Harriet May, chief executive officer of Greater El Paso Credit Union, participated in the coin toss, which Team Nation won.

While both teams played tough, neither one scored in the first quarter until Nation scored a field goal with three minutes remaining, giving them a small lead. 

At the beginning of the second quarter, Cook donated a $10,000 check to Fort Bliss’ wounded warrior fund.

Team Nation scored another field goal at the beginning of the second quarter, bringing their lead to 6-0.

Frank Summers, University of Nevada Las Vegas fullback, eyes an opening before attempting a touchdown pass Saturday at the Texas vs. the Nation game.
Photo by Peter Gonzales.

Texas soon turned the game around as they inched down the field with catch after catch and run after run. These plays paid off when Texas running back Chris Ogbonnaya scored the first touchdown of the game, moving the score to 7-6. 

Team Nation’s Anthony Kimble then scored a touchdown, regaining a 13-7 lead for his team. At the beginning of the third quarter, Nation recovered a fumble from Texas and scored again with a touchdown from Davon Drew.

“They [Nation] are pulling away now, but it is still early,” Capt. Charles Johnson of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said during the game.

However, Texas scored next with a touchdown made by Johnny Knox, bringing his team to within six points of Team Nation.

The fourth quarter started with Texas making a field goal, closing their gap to a mere three points. 

Pfc. Nathan Harrison from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery, thanks Jamar Hunt, University of Texas El Paso long snapper, for his autograph during Saturday’s Texas vs. the Nation game. Photo by Peter Gonzales.

“I like Nation because I think they’re good,” said Aaron Mayon, son of Sonja Mayon, 11th ADA’s family readiness support assistant.

Nation’s quarterback Yonus Davis threw a touchdown pass taking, which was enough to claim the win despite Texas scoring once more toward the end of the game.

“Having military tickets brings me and other people out to support our teams and to show support for the Army and the brigade,” said Sonja.