Northshore Flag Football League, the largest independent flag football league in the region, hosted its Spring 2009 Championships in Madisonville May 30-31.

In the A championship game Hated (Hitmen) defeated the Rough Riders 32-13. Hated quarterback Richie Everitt threw for five touchdown passes to spur his team to victory. He connected with former Southeastern Louisiana University standout receiver Hutch Gonzles for two scores, while Jeff Lehmann, Rob Sloan and David Short caught one TD each to spark Hated to the championship. Hated is made up of players representing the Southshore and Northshore. Hated knocked off American Safety 25-6 in the semifinals, while the Rough Riders slipped past Hitsquad 13-6 to set up the championship showdown.

The B championship game turned out to be an exciting contest with Walk Ons, comprised primarily of players from the Northshore along with players from the Southshore, edged ETS 26-19 in an overtime thriller.

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Backup quarterback Heywood Bordelon led Walk Ons to the title taking over for quarterback and team captain Jason Perron, who was injured in the playoffs.

Heywood hit Lovie Moran for the winning score. Hated’s defense came up with three interceptions to stymie the ETS offense. Walk Ons defeated Longest Yard 18-15 in the semifinals, while ETS slipped past Black and Gold 20-14 to earn the right to meet in the B Championship.

The Northshore Flag Football League fields over 28 teams with over 300 athletes that compete in separate divisions during Spring and Fall league play. The season ends with playoffs and championship games. During the spring, the league had two divisions A and B. In the fall, the league will separate their teams (based on talent) in three divisions A, B and C. All three divisions are slated to be very competitive as teams play other teams with equal talent.

League Commissioner and owner Bret Villars says: “By arranging the teams into different divisions of equal talent, it makes the divisions more competitive. The intensity is increased and it makes you a better player and a better team,” Villars said.

“Just because a team plays in the C division does not mean that the games won’t be any good. Again, you are playing a team that is equal to you in skill level each and every week. So regardless of division, the competitiveness will be the same,” Villars added.

For more information on the NFFL or to view HD videos and pictures of the Championships and other games visit the league Web site at www.northshore ffl.com, or contact Villars at 502-9266.