By EMILY STRAB — In the annual flag football fight for bragging rights, this year, the firefighters took home the trophy.
Hyattsville’s Finest and Hyattsville’s Bravest, along with many other residents and City of Hyattsville staff, gathered Nov. 17 to celebrate the annual Hyattsville Heroes Bowl, which benefits the Sonny Frazier Toy Drive. For the eighth year in a row, Hyattsville’s Finest, officers from the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD), and Hyattsville’s Bravest, firefighters with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), have come together in order to support the toy drive that ensures Hyattsville’s youngest and neediest residents have toys for Christmas. All of this is possible because of the Sonny Frazier Foundation, started by former councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier and other city residents in honor of the late Sonny Frazier.
A large crowd gathered on the wet Magruder field on a sunny and mild Saturday, a break in the wet and frigid weather of the previous week. Children and adults who cheered on their favorite team, either the fire department or the police department, were able to enjoy the lovely weather and — depending on which team you are cheering for — enjoy the game. There were concessions sold to raise money for the Sonny Frazier Toy Drive, as well as giveaways from the Air Force, including miniature footballs that the children and dogs assembled made good use of. The Bravest dominated most of the game, scoring 38 points to the Finest’s 19. The HCPD rallied in the fourth quarter to score two touchdowns, but it was not enough to overcome the HVFD’s strong lead. This win puts the HVFD further in the overall title lead, which is now: Bravest 5, Finest 3. Overall, the game was punctuated by many dropped passes, fraternal banter on the field, and laughter from the sidelines. 
At the end of the game, City Administrator Tracey Douglas presented the Bravest with the new shiny trophy to show off in their firehouse. The Finest were given the “second place” trophy by the Bravest, a former trophy that suffered a fall and now sports duct tape and band-aids. The Air Force also sponsored prizes for each team’s Most Valuable Player.
Residents can support the Sonny Frazier Toy Drive by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at the collection center at the City of Hyattsville municipal building or learn more by contacting Ruth Ann Frazier at (301) 779-5428.