In Hero Bowl III, The San Diego Enforcers trounced the Atlanta Defenders 30-7. The win gives the Enforcers a 2-0 record for the season. They won their season opener against the Orange County Lawmen 35-0.

Following the win the San Diego Enforcers Quarterback JJ Carrell of the United States Border Patrol reflected on the opportunity to still be able to play football. “I feel really blessed, not only to be able to play the game, but to be able to play with such a classy organization. It is semi-pro with all law enforcement, all class acts. All the guys out here are working hard and playing hard. Just the chance to play again and play good organized football is incredible!”

Hero Bowl III was the home opener for the Enforcers who compete in the National Public Safety Football League (NPSFL). Team President, Jason Sullivan said it was the most successful event in terms of attendance and raising funds for the Enforcers’ charity the Sempri Fi Fund.

The Sempri Fi Fund provides grants for injured Marines and Navy Sailors to improve their quality of life.

Despite the win, Carrell was not entirely pleased with his team’s offensive performance. He said, “At times it was sloppy.” This was because the Enforcers turned the ball over on consecutive possessions inside the Atlanta’s five-yard line in the 2nd quarter.

Jason Burk Celebrates his INT return for TD

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To a man the Enforcers are passionate about playing quality football. Even after winning 30-7 Carrell believes emphatically that his team can still greatly improve. So much so, that he sent the Enforcers’ entire offense a message regarding their performance on Saturday night.

Carrell wrote, “I have been thinking about last night's game a lot. We had moments of brilliance. We are an explosive offense that can score at will. But we also had moments when we were either flat or confused. We forgot plays, lined up in the wrong formation and we left at least 2 TDs on the field.

“We are not talking about a lack of talent, speed, or desire, because we have that in abundance! We only need to study and prepare more thoroughly. We need to know this playbook to the point that when we call the play in the huddle, it is second nature to perform it. That comes with study, practice, and commitment.

I promise never again to forget the formation we are in. I will study the playbook even more and I will be more focused to make sure that never happens again. We as an offense need every one of us to make the same commitment. Let's come to the next practice focused and play sharp disciplined football.”

Enforcers Running Back Daniel Newsoom of the San Diego Sheriff's Department responded to that message. He wrote, “That's what I'm talking about, Accountability! The best quarterback in the league, and he's taking responsibly for his actions. That's class!

After the game Carrell also gave credit to the play of his teammates on the side of the ball, “Our defense is just outstanding…We get the ball on the short side of the field quite a bit, if you have a short field you are always going to win.”

Two of the Enforcers’ three offensive touchdowns came immediately following a turnover. Carrell explained the Enforcers’ opportunistic aggressive philosophy. “The way to break a team’s back is when they give up a fumble or an interception is to go deep on them. It is demoralizing for them to give up seven points just like that.”

Line Backer Jason Burk of the San Diego Sheriff's Department and a former Riptide player was the player of the game for his interception of an Atlanta pass and return for a touchdown. When asked about the interception he said, “I did think I had a touchdown. To my surprise it just went right to me and my eyes lit up and I just started running.”

Another standout on defense was Shane Lynn who is an investigator for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office. Shane is like a defensive version of the Chargers’ Darren Sproles. For a football player he is on the small side, but at 36 years old he is still mighty quick. Like Sproles, on special teams he returns punts. On defense he is all over the field, seemingly making a crushing tackle on every play.

Despite his great play on defense, he fumbled a punt which led to the only Atlanta touchdown. Going back to last season it was the first time in six games that an opponent has scored on the Enforcers. Lynn said, “I let the team down, after the game I will have to buy them beers.”

Lynn’s need to buy his team a round of beers represents the brotherhood that is exhibited not only by the Enforcers players toward each other but also toward their opponents. After the game, both teams met on the field and exchanged pleasantries in preparation of the Enforcers hosting their brothers the Defenders for a night out on the town in Americas Finest City.

The next opportunity to see these class acts in action will be when the Enforcers host the Los Angeles Police Departments’ Centurions. The game will be played at Cathedral Catholic High School on Saturday, April 4 at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available for only $10 at the gate and children under the age of 12 are free.

For directions to Cathedral Catholic High School in Carmel Valley and to see the Enforcers’ complete schedule, visit their web site at: http://www.sandiegoenforcers.com/.

To learn more about the Enforcers and the Sempri Fi Fund, read McLellan’s previous article, By Supporting Enforcer Football, You Support Injured Marines.