San Tan Youth Football League Eagles

It was a beautiful day for a football game at Apache Junction High School as the 6-1 Eagles took on the 4-3 Miners. Other than J. Wright who missed today’s game due to illness, the Eagles were at full strength.

The game began with the Eagles taking possession as they received the opening kickoff. The Eagles high-powered offense took the field at the 40 yard line and rumbled, bumbled, stumbled toward the goal line on runs by Bradley Beaver, Sam Oram, Walker Pattyson, and Dakota Neer. To all that attended, it was obvious that lightening was about to strike. Then it happened… Dakota Neer took the handoff from quarterback Reed Erwin, darted to the outside and outran the defense for the game’s first score.

A sign of things to come, the Eagles vaunted defense stuffed the Miners and and forced a three and out. The Eagles offense again took the field and looked to stretch their lead. The offensive line was dominant today as it blew holes wide open for the Eagles talented stable of running backs. This drive was no exception. The Eagles methodically drove the ball down to the ten yard line. On the next play Bradley Beaver carried the rock up the middle and with great vision and tough running, he galloped across the goal line for another Eagles score (see photo).

The Eagle D again took it to the Miners on the next possession and gave the ball back to the offense. The Eagles drove the ball down the field, but ran out of time as the half drew to a close with the Eagles ahead 12-0.

The Eagles kicked off to start the second half and the Eagles fearsome defense took the filed yet again. The Miners offense simply couldn’t get anything going as Eagle defenders were all over the field. Even when it looked like the Miner runner had some daylight, the Eagles showed great team speed and hustle and slammed the door shut on the Miner’s hopes to join them on the scoreboard. You’ve got to hand it to the Miners though… they never quit and actually played the Eagles tough in the second half.

On the next possession the Eagles took the ball and began to perform their first down dance once again as they moved down the field. Then Walker Pattyson did some dancing of his own as he made the Miner defenders look plain silly on a long touchdown run. With the score, the Eagles led 18-0. The score would remain intact as the clock ran out.

Some of our younger Eagles got a chance in the spotlight with runs on the Eagles last possession. I apologize in advance for anyone I may have missed, but I was able to see runs by Tristan Ingram, Bay Finch, Wyatt Harris, and Blake McDuffy. Great job guys… one heck of a season so far!

So, what’s up next for the Eagles? Well, it’s not been completely decided, but it appears that the Eagles will square off with the Miners again in the first round of the playoffs next Saturday at Prospect Park in Apache Junction (not the high school). Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted as the week progresses and the playoff picture comes into focus.