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by MICHAEL SCHOLL
Members of the Police and Fire departments' football teams appeared with Mayor Michael Bloomberg yesterday to promote the next gridiron battle between the two rival squads.
The annual match-up between the Finest and Bravest is the most important game on either team's schedule.
The teams will face off in the 32nd annual Fun City Bowl on May 15, at 5 p.m. The game will be played at Michie Stadium on the U.S. Military Academy campus in West Point.
"It's always a great game between the two of us," said Sgt. Mike Jioia of Great Kills, head coach of the Finest.
Jioia, who is assigned to the 72nd Precinct in Brooklyn, appeared with Bloomberg yesterday at a City Hall press conference to announce the upcoming match.
Also present were Detective Ed Gardner of Great Kills, general manager of the Finest, and Firefighter Tom Narducci of West Brighton, a fullback for the Bravest. Narducci is assigned to Ladder Co. 112 in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
The teams are comprised of full-time Police and Fire employees who play football in their leisure time. Most games are against teams from other police and fire departments across the country that participate in the National Public Safety Football League.
The Bravest beat the Finest 35-7 in last year's game, played at Monsignor Farrell High School in Oakwood.
But the Finest won the previous nine games and hold a 21-10 lead in the all-time series.
It's an intense rivalry, but both teams have a healthy respect for the other's football abilities.
"They look very good," said Narducci, asked to give a scouting report on the Finest. "There's a lot of improvement on their part."
Asked for his prediction on the game-winner, Jioia responded, "It could go either way."
Proceeds from the Fun City Bowl will be donated to the families of military service members killed in the line of duty.
Tickets for the game are $10 each. Further ticket information is available at www.bravestfootball.com or at www.nypdfootball.com.
The game will be taped for later telecast on NYC TV, the city-owned cable television network.
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