Flag Football Memories with Brian O’Neill

By Brian O’Neill

First of all, I want to thank Mike Piquette, and all the good folks at the Sports Energy paper, great memories and write-up’s every month.

Well, I started playing flag football in 1987-’88. One of the best players to ever play was Robbie Bingley, and he introduced me to the sport. We would be at fastball tournaments, and he always had a football and between games we would play a lot of passing; and he said I should come out and play in the Cornwall Flag league. I did so, as a receiver, then quarterback, and instantly fell in love with the game. I was impressed then, and still am today, at the amazing athletes in Cornwall and the surrounding areas. We were fortunate to have excellent defensive teams, and that is where there is a chance for lots of offenses here and there. But get teams that have been together for 3 or 4 years and they can slow down a potent offense.

The football league evolved from touch in the ’70s, to flag, to the pop flags we use now. When the pop flag is pulled, it is heard instantly, and the play stops. The league went from a draft in the ’80s to teams now recruiting athletes to strengthen their teams. Safety of the players through the years has been a priority, from padded goal posts to strict rules to protect the players. I have been impressed over the years with the Presidents of the League, from Gary Dexter to Johnny Campeau, to now Steve Primeau, as I know it is a stressful job at times, but without the authority of the executives through the years, we do not have the organization and safe league to play in. A big shout-out goes to all the referees through the years, as well. This is a very competitive league with some ultra-competitive athletes who truly deserve a medal every game, especially in the playoffs and finals, ha-ha!

So, the fellows who taught me to play quarterback were Bingley, and Pat Camacho. It took me years to call the proper plays, learn them, and to set up plays for 3 or 4 plays in advance, like a chess game. I have always been amazed at the talent at the Q.B. position over the years. With Q.B.’s like Greg Doll, Camacho, Bingley, Dave Watson, Brendan McDonald, Frank Spagnola, Sheldon McDougall, Steve McGilliss, Tony Joseph, Kevin Larin, to the newer Q.B.’s like Troy Grant, Eric Bowman, Jacob Loucks, and Jarret St. John. (Sorry if I forgot to mention anyone through the years.) The league has seen many university and college players and a few CFLers over the years. I have always said the sport is a hidden gem, or an unknown high level of talent and competition in Cornwall. Too many great players, receivers, and speedsters to mention.

I guess some of my greatest memories that I take away from all my years, is playing in the early years with my brother Randy, who had a pro tryout with Ottawa in the CFL and is a member of the Cornwall Sports Hall of Fame for fastball. Also playing with my cousin, Mike, and Shawn O’Neill. Yes, the championships were nice, with all the game planning and execution that went into winning it all, but the friendships and players through the years are invaluable now. Guys like Marc Sauve is one of the best route runners and flag players and first rusher in the Hall of Fame of our league, along with Winters, Ron Mierkey, (past presidents), Mike Gilligan, (past president), to the Grant boys, and too many others to mention. Also, my happiest memories would be of my Mom and Dad coming to watch the games at CCVS or Holy Trinity, sitting during the windy cold games at the Optimist in November, with Mom and her blankets to keep warm, Dad watching the game like an eagle and discussing the game next day at lunch. And if nobody believes in the healing power of prayer, Dad could tell it all. Dad had cancer, failing health and passed away 2 years ago. He prayed for 5 extra years of his time and never thought I could play that year – 2022. Well, I ran around like Dud would watch again, I healed enough to just re-start the game and enjoy a play in. Dad could go to watch us win another title in 2019, and now is truly in heaven with a better football team indeed. My sister Debbie brought Mom to the game on a welcoming warm November day. It was a perfect ending. I felt Dad’s presence and God’s healing power and love of family that day.

Other memories are my other sister, Peggy, who is not the biggest football fan, but she came to watch us win a championship game at the Bob Turner on the early 90’s. She stood through the game I tore my hamstring so badly, I was out for her Bud lucked to finish the game. But her support, and competitive spirit, drove me to be the best I could be. Other commitments and tournaments took me away from family gatherings, but that happens in all sports.

Speaking of tournaments, a Cornwall team with myself and Pat Camacho, Glenmurray and Ottawa areas, played in the Canadian National Championships from 1997, 1998, and ’99. In 1998 we finished 2nd, and in 1999 we competed in the men’s open division and little Cornwall played 3 games, and we were right in the mix, with all the college and university standouts. One story I remember was, August 14th and 15th, and it was hot that weekend – 1997. So, I’m saying this is August – hot. Then the 2nd day we had hail, torrential rain and cold, snow, etc. Teams from all over were there with great teams and we had a hard time. But we adjusted and lost by 8 points I believe. There are so many memories from those National games, throwing a touchdown and catching a touchdown were highlights, but the memories and friendships remain more.

Other flag football memories are when we played indoors in Alexandria. We waited for hours for the fog to clear. Covid stopped all that. But the fun and friendships and games with Pat, Terry and April broke up the cold winter months. There always was a blast was the outdoor snow-bowl on Superbowl Sunday. Yes, we played at the Bob Turner before the Superbowl party on the big screen. We played all day through the freezing rain or cold, snow etc. Teams from all over would have a great time. It was fantastic watching that big game, and teams battled the foul day awards, then the game with the big game on the big screen. A real treat to be able to beat the previous years winner from Brockville. And nothing beats watching the winning touchdown on the big screen with hundreds watching. And I remember Mike Brovelli trying to it up and go down the field as the clock hit zero. But I never forgot running that place knocking balls down to prevent the victory – time ran out and we won the game.

So, I tell everyone now, joking that my highlights were the Glen Stor Dodge Oldtimers team night. We would be tough games cause we did not start til 9:00 p.m. ha-ha.

I encourage all interested players to come out and play flag this season. Next to pickleball, it is the fastest growing sport in Cornwall. Please join in the 2028 Olympics. All interested players should contact Steve Primeau, the president of CMFFL, Cornwall.

Let’s start filling the parks again for our league. We need to get the old guys down and out to have fun and get in shape. And the young players involved. Parents, I think this game has helped injuries this game. I would have to say, of all the sports I played, football is a must for young athletes to develop, both mind and body.

So, thanks for reading. Bless to all, Brian!