Mesa Youth Football

The Mesa Soldiers were on the road again as they entered the 2nd round of the CAYFL 2009 Playoffs. Saturday the 31st they traveled to the University of Phoenix Stadium to meet up against the West Valley Hurricanes. The Hurricanes and Soldiers met on Field #3 as both teams continued with their bids for a CAYFL Championship. As you would expect, the matchup between the 4 and 5 seeds in the Jr. Pee Wee division proved to be an exciting event.

The Soldiers kicked off to start the contest and fairly quickly regained possession as the Hurricanes turned over the ball on downs. The entire first quarter consisted of tough defensive stands by both teams, with very little offensive progress by either of the teams. The Soldiers and the Hurricanes went to the 2nd quarter with a 0 – 0 score.

The Soldiers began clicking in the 2nd quarter as they repeatedly moved the ball down field. The Mesa Soldiers offense would put up 13 points in the 2nd quarter,  while the defense held the #4 seeded Hurricanes to 0 points ….. at least till the last 3 seconds of the half. The Soldiers 2nd score of the first half left 3 seconds on the clock. The Soldiers kicked off to the Hurricanes and was returned by their #23 for a touchdown. The extra point kick for 2 was good and the Hurricanes were on the board at the end of the half and the score was 13 – 8 with the Soldiers in the lead at the half.

The third quarter was almost a replay of the first quarter as neither of the teams were able to put up any points. The Soldiers repeatedly drove the ball down field and were in the red zone a couple of times, but the defense of the Hurricanes held the Soldiers of Mesa for the entire 3rd quarter. The intensity of the game increased as we entered the 4th quarter.

The Hurricanes knew the urgency and importance of scoring if they were to win and advance in the playoffs. The Soldiers also knew they needed to stop the Hurricanes from doing so if they were to be victorious in this stage of the playoffs. The Hurricanes started to gain momentum late in the fourth quarter and consistently converted 2 4th down conversions on 4 and 1 to move the near the 50 yard line and close to Soldier territory as they moved down field towards a touchdown. The Soldiers did stop the Hurricanes as they were on their 3rd drive down field; leaving roughly 1:45 left in the game.

The Soldiers ran their first play on their last possession of the day. Jacob Wrightsman [16] would take a knee for the next couple of snaps as the Soldiers waited for the clock to run out and their victory in round 2 was complete. The excitement on the sidelines is hard to explain as each of the boys and their parents rejoiced in the victory. The coaches, players and parents all celebrated as they knew they were one step closer to their goal of a CAYFL Championship.

I must say; while all the opponents we have met thus far have been gracious hosts and great teams; the coaching staff and players of the West Valley Hurricanes were absolutely top notch. As we met on the 50 and congratulated each other on the days events; I felt that with each “Good Luck” and “Great Game” that accompanied a high five from a player and the hand shake of a coach was heart felt. There was not a single instance where I felt they were going through the motions. We thank the parents and staff of the West Valley Hurricanes for their hospitality, you exemplify what I believe youth football is all about.

As always we thank our parents and supporters as the victory is never possible without you. We thank you for keeping the boys well motivated and hydrated off the field and getting them to the field on time and well rested.

Round 3 will be hosted by the Chandler Mustangs on Saturday the 7th of November. Check back here often for the time and field location.

Popularity: 9% [?]