Former football players with the Tennessee Titans will face off against some of the toughest people in La Vergne on Saturday, October 29th during the annual F.O.P. v. Titans Alumni Game at 7:00 p.m.  The game will take place at the La Vergne High School (LHS) football field.

The former “all pro” Titans who are confirmed to play include Blaine Bishop, Chris Sanders and Brad Hopkins. Also playing are Dennis Stallings, Scott Sanderson and Rein Long.

Coached by Officer Ty McGowan of the crime suppression unit, the police have been putting in a lot of practice time because their opponents will be formidable.  “The Titans handed us our hats last year so this year we are practicing more,” said McGowan. “But we also understand that a tough day at the office can be even tougher when your office contains spectator seating.”

Whatever the outcome, the 44 members of the F.O.P. Percy Priest Lodge 85 hope to raise at least $10,000 to fund special activities and programs for La Vergne. Emphasis will be on supporting the Hurt and Injured Officers Fund because of the increased amount of deaths this year.  There was a 20 percent increase in law enforcement deaths since last year, with 140 officers killed in the U.S. already this year, seven in Tennessee.

Also benefiting from the game are community programs like boxing for at-risk youth and Christmas for needy children.  Last year – through a partnership between the F.O.P., P.A.L., La Vergne Fire Department, Box 100, and the business community – about 180 children from La Vergne received toys, and more than 75 families received food baskets.  Additionally, funds raised during the F.O.P. v. Titans Alumni Game will help pay for La Vergne officers to attend the Officer Down Memorial Week in Washington, D.C.

Tickets to the F.O.P. v. Titans Alumni Game are $10 and may be purchased in advance at the police station behind City Hall and will also be available at the gate. Police will pass out candy to children in attendance and concession stand food will be available through the LHS Band Boosters.