Stembaugh: Student referees act as unsung heroes

The games have been intense, the rivalries ferocious and the excitement growing more heated by the week as the women’s interhall flag football season inches towards the championship matchup.

Godeaux: Dillon struggles after title-game trips

When it comes to interhall football Dillon Hall is no stranger to success. After losing to Sorin falling just short of an interhall championship two years ago, the Big Red got their revenge on the Otters last season, winning a 19-14 nail-biter to take the crown. This year, however, has been a bit of a different story for the Big Red.

Karnes: Aura of Notre Dame Stadium raises stakes in interhall

For those who play interhall football at Notre Dame, however, that dream is still alive. Every year the men’s and women’s championship games are held inside Notre Dame Stadium, providing players with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Connors: Overcoming adversity to win titles a trend

What does it take to lead an interhall football team to a once-in-a-lifetime championship game in Notre Dame Stadium? Togetherness, heart, resiliency, trust.

Connors: What makes interhall football so great?

Every week, 29 football teams don pads or flags to play fellow dorms in a game of interhall football. The games are fierce, competitive and hold special meaning to each dorm.

To a non-Notre Dame student or outsider, it might seem strange that students would spend hours of time practicing each week for an intramural football game. Interhall football players, however, have many reasons for their devotion to the sport.

Wilcox: Examining the Battle for the Chapel

At Notre Dame, two things are taken very seriously: football and religion. In the annual Keenan-Stanford interhall football game, known as the “Battle for the Chapel,” the two are combined to create a rivalry unlike any other.

Dillon and Sorin to meet in championship rematch

Not once has the BCS National Championship been a rematch from the previous year. Only once in the history of the Super Bowl has there been a rematch from the previous year. Sunday's interhall football championship is exactly that: a rematch of Sorin and Dillon.

Senior quarterbacks lead high-octane offenses in showdown

For senior quarterbacks Lauren Miller of No. 6 McGlinn and Rebecca Cink of No. 1 Cavanaugh, this season has been three years in the making. With two years of starting experience under their belts, both seniors entered the season knowing what it takes to win, but without starting in an interhall finale.

McGlinn looks to spoil Cavanaugh's perfect season

A new interhall champion will be crowned Sunday on the hallowed grounds of Notre Dame Stadium when No. 1 Cavanaugh and No. 6 McGlinn face off in a matchup of well-rounded teams with remarkable efficiency on both sides of the ball.

Boyle: Interhall referees dream of Stadium too

While the women playing the games get most of the spotlight, the league would not exist without all of the behind-the-scenes work done by RecSports — especially the referees.

Hartnett: Playoffs force new preparation

As part of one of the most competitive intramural sports programs in the nation, Notre Dame's interhall football teams all know the importance of playoff games. These games carry meaning not only to individual players but also to entire dorms, as a big win can boost dorm pride. With that being said, how exactly do Notre Dame'sinterhall teams prepare for a playoff game?

Lorton: A league of their own

In the 1992 movie "A League of Their Own," women get the chance, due to World War II, to play the predominantly male sport of baseball. There are no special rules or major alterations to the game, just extremely athletic women taking the place of men. This movie has brought me to wonder why the women in the interhall program of Notre Dame are not allowed the opportunity to participate in full contact football, like the men. Why are they not allowed to wear pads and tackle? Why are they restricted to flags and "polite blocking"?

Darragh: Zahm forfeits without enough eligible players

When it came to the final matchup of their regular season against Fisher, the Zahmbies were forced to forfeit because they did not have enough players. According to RecSports rules, 18 players are needed and only 17 players came ready to battle.

Monaco: Two-quarterback attack?

Though multiple-quarterback attacks are common, stability might be more important

If you look at the top five NFL teams by record in the past decade, you find a fundamental, though not all that surprising characteristic shared by each franchise: steady quarterback play. But when it comes to interhall football, many teams eschew the strategies of the professional squads. Quite frequently, teams deploy two quarterbacks.

Cardoza: Dynamic duo leads Siegfried to No. 1 seed

The best dynamic duo in interhall football this year is pretty clear. Junior David Whitmore and senior Will Gesicki account for more than 70 percent of Siegfried's total offense.

Cleofe: Size matters, but not too much

Dorm size has its advantages, though experience matters too

Frano: Zahm-St. Edward's contest takes lighthearted tone

Most interhall games are serious affairs. There may be some joking on the field at times but, for the most part, teams are determined to win and keep the focus on their play. That was not the case Oct. 9 when Zahm took on St. Edward's, with the Gentlemen (2-1) taking a 10-0 victory. Zahm (0-3) set a lighthearted tone early, joking around on the field with each other and the St. Edward's players.

Banta: Tradition drives Pasquerilla West

Lucky Charms help too

As the Purple Weasels work toward playing in another championship game in Notre Dame Stadium, it is the support of the entire hall that helps the ladies of Pasquerilla West dominate every game … and maybe a bowl of Lucky Charms.

Steiner: Now or never for Farley's seniors

Farley is currently 4-1 and well on its way to the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Yet just reaching the playoffs this year won't be enough for the Finest.