Jun. 27—Enrico Pickett said he’s always looking for his next project. Now he’s found it.
On Saturday the Jack Allen Soccer Complex in Decatur will host the first ever Decatur vs. Austin alumni flag football game.
Pickett, who works as the sports coordinator for Decatur Youth Services, said it’s a project that’s been a long time in the making.
“We’ve been doing the alumni basketball game, but some of the former players wanted to do a flag football game,” Pickett said. “The funny thing with football is, even though it’s flag football, it really takes the right group of guys that are still hungry to get out there. We finally found those guys.”
Pickett said the rosters will include Jarel and Antonio Langford, Chris Coffey, Griffin McCollum, Bobby Gordon, Bejuan Clack and Ryan Watson from Decatur, as well as Lamont Crittendon, Ja’dyn Maclin, Malique Elliott, Rorrick Steward, Jacoby Moody and De’Air Young from Austin.
Pickett, who is a former Decatur High standout, said he will be watching from the sideline.
“I did the basketball game not long ago, but I could maybe do one play of football and then I would be hurting. Then my wife would be like ‘I told you not to be out there.'”
Proceeds from the event will go toward Decatur Youth Services.
Pickett said helping his community is something that still lights a fire under him at age 58.
“I love it. It’s what keeps me going,” Pickett said. “I think our city really needs some unity right now, and an event like this, with all the good it can do, could help with that.”
The game is set for Saturday at 6 p.m. Admission is $5 and concessions will be available.
Pickett said he hopes the game will become an annual event and they already have next year’s planned. It will take place at Austin High School. He also said an alumni baseball game is in the works, while the annual alumni basketball game is set for July 12.
Asked if he had a prediction for Saturday’s game, the former Red Raider tried to play it cool.
“I can’t be biased, but I do bleed red. That’s all I’ll say,” Pickett said.
— caleb.suggs@decaturdaily.com or 256-340-2395. Twitter @CalebSuggs2