Team Hackel Trounces LCN Alumni in Midnight Madness Flag Football Game

The game may or may not have been rigged, but it was Team Hackel for the win when Macomb County elected officials took on coaches and alumni Sunday night in a fund-raiser game for the Crusaders 2012 football season.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith and Macomb County Commissioner Bob Smith were only a few of the county officials to participate in the school's first-ever Midnight Madness celebration.

"It was one of my weaker moments," Hackel joked of agreeing to play in the game.

The county officials vs. LCN alumni/coaches football game was one of several events held at North stadium Sunday night to kick-off the start of the Crusaders' 2012 football season.

"The whole premise (of Midnight Madness) is to draw attention to the school year starting," Hackel said. "Football games bring the community out. You see all the students out here, they're enjoying themselves. It's a great event."

Playing two 15-minute halves, the county officials managed to defeat the LCN coaches/alumni 24-18, with the final touchdown made by Hackel, the game's MVP.

The alumni took an early lead, going 12-6 into the second half, but the officials made a comeback and scored the winning touchdown with just 30 seconds left in the game.

Hopefully the thrill of the win will overcome the aches and pains the officials will no doubt feel for the next few days, for despite it being a game of flag football, neither the alumni nor the elected officials could resist a few tackles.

(Full disclosure: This editor got too close to the sidelines and was subsequently tackled by an elected official who shall remain nameless.)

The Crusaders open their season at home against Cousino on Aug. 23.