When Island Christian School announced earlier this year that it was starting up a six-man football program, my curiosity was piqued almost instantly.

I'd heard about the game, which gained popularity mostly among small schools in Texas, but had never actually seen it in person or on film. When the Eagles celebrated their homecoming Saturday against visiting Donahue Academy, that all changed.

After making the trek to Islamorada for what would be the final game on Island Christian's home schedule, there were some things that jumped out right away. First, the field is just 80 yards long, and as everyone who didn't already know found out pretty early, every player on the field is an eligible receiver. Both of these are conducive to high-scoring offenses, and as the 200 or so in attendance would later see for ourselves, neither team would have much trouble moving the ball downfield.

The teams traded fumbles on the game's first two possessions, and each team lost a fumble at its opponent's 1-yard line in the first quarter, but the offensive units had little trouble from there. As advertised, the game was a lot faster paced than 11-man football, and the scoreboard certainly reflected that.

The teams went back and forth up and down the field -- with just six players, one broken tackle or juke can easily turn into six points -- and four quarters turned out not to be enough as they finished regulation tied at 34. If nothing else, the deadlock showed just how crucial point-after conversions are in six-man football. Following a touchdown, teams can choose to go for one point from the 3-yard line, or go for two points from the 5. The Eagles were pretty successful going for one after each score, while the Shamrocks were burned on some two-point tries that came up short.

With an overtime format similar to college, except that the teams start from their opponent's 15-yard line, Island Christian junior Daniel Pratt tossed a touchdown to Christian Ledwith on the second possession and then ran in the point after to seal a 41-40 victory. The touchdown was the fifth of the game for Pratt, who also rushed for two, caught one, and returned a kickoff for another.

Although Pratt, as well as several of his teammates who also played every snap, could barely walk or speak after the game, the scene probably couldn't have been more perfect for head coach Robert Lucas, who started the program just five months ago unsure of what to expect.

In addition to just having football back on campus, which has its own social and community-related benefits, the program also paved the way for a cheerleading squad, which entertained the home fans under the blazing afternoon sun, and introduced the sport to several parents who were unfamiliar with football in general but still seemingly had a great time.

The game was the home finale for the Eagles, who improved to 2-2 on the season and 2-0 at home. They will wrap up their inaugural season Monday at Solid Rock Community School in New Port Richey, and no matter the outcome, there will be plenty of interest for next year.

What was once unknown to most, just might have found its niche as the fourth football program in the Keys.

Assistant Sports Editor Willis Jacobson's column appears exclusively each Friday in The Citizen. He can be reached at 305-292-7777, Ext. 223, or at wjacobson@keysnews.com.