The intramural flag football league began a preseason single-elimination tournament here, Aug. 9 that will last through Aug. 23.

The tournament gives players a glimpse of what to expect during the regular season.

Marine Aircraft Group 11’s “Team Small Ball,” 2006’s season champion, looks forward to the competition.

After dominating the league last year, Sgt. Michael Balch Jr., the team’s coach and running back, expects the team to continue its winning streak.

The variety of competition this year should create a lot of intense action, he added.

“There were only four teams last year, but I think having fewer units deployed is one reason for the increase in the number of teams,” said Balch. “It’s good to have a variety of competition.”

The teams bring a wide range of experience from casual newcomers to elite-gridiron warriors, explained Balch.

“This league is great because it brings morale to the command and gives everyone, regardless of rank, an opportunity to play,” said Staff Sgt. William Brown, a member of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11’s “Wal-Mart Door Greeters.”

On the first day of the tournament, Team Small Ball defeated Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465’s “Warhorse” 33-0.

“I look forward to playing every team in the league,” said Brown. “There’s a lot of competition here.”

Each of the 12 teams will participate in a maximum of two games per week during the regular season, explained Todd Howard, the athletics director for Marine Corps Community Services.

Marine Corps Community Services encourages all service members to play because intramural sports like this help build relationships among Marines, said Howard.

Service members and Department of Defense employees interested in joining a team should contact Todd Howard, before Aug. 22 at 858-577-1202.