On a perfect Colorado afternoon, the i9 Youth Sports Lakewood flag football league finished its season on June 3 at LakewoodPark with a very full day. Several teams played make-up games before their tournament games, three of which went to overtime. Afterward, players and cheerleaders received their trophies, certificates, and special awards, thanked their coaches, and celebrated with their teams while devouring pizza and other snacks.

On the field, in the 6-8 age division, the Thunderhawks, coached by Matt Hildreth, outlasted Richard Kreutzer's King Cobras, 18-12, in the nail-biting championship game, on an interception return for a touchdown in double-overtime. In addition, the Raging Rhinos, coached by Angelo Acosta, downed the Hoosiers, coached by Christopher Yancy, 38-6, and the Carlos Montoya-coached Wildcats shocked the Lightning, coached by Tyrese Winston, 26-20, also on an interception returned for a TD in overtime.

In yet another OT thriller, the Falcons, coached by Richard Drake, topped Andrew Sappey's Rattlers 26-20 for the 8-10 age division title.

The 11-14 age division title game was a re-match from last season, but this time the Cougars, coached by Doug Robinson, turned the tables on Coach Dave Dincola and his Bulldogs in a 24-20 win that wasn't decided until the final seconds. In addition, Rich Grange's Wolves devoured the Owls, coached by Richard Kiel, 25-19.

The i9 Youth Sports fall flag football season in Lakewood starts on Aug. 26, and in Golden on Sept. 9. For more information on all of i9 Youth Sports' programs, including cheerleading and lacrosse, please go to www.i9sports.com, or call 303-462-1520.