San Tan Youth Football League Eagles

Man… two weeks, two overtime games. One manic win… one depressive loss.  One had to wonder what the football gods had in store for our young feathered friends this week.  One thing’s for sure… Coach Ardan’s heart probably couldn’t withstand another nail biter for a third week in a row!

The Eagles (2-1) took the field to face the Six Shooters (1-2) in a pivotal game that could get the Eagles back on track and re-establish the team as a front-runner in the STYFL Jr. Pee Wee Division.  Coming off an emotional loss to the Special Forces and given next week’s showdown with the undefeated Rams, the game felt very much like one of those “trap games” where good teams occasionally fall prey to inferior opponents.  The Six Shooters gained their first win of the season the previous week over the Cardinals and came into this game with confidence and momentum.

As usual, the Eagles defense was tough as nails and the Six Shooters really had a hard time moving the ball.  At times it felt alot like the Eagles were the ones with guns in their holsters as the offense seemed to be finding ways to shoot themselves in the foot as they moved the ball down the field, but failed to punch it in for a score in the first quarter.  That’s not to discredit the Six Shooters defense, because they were a game unit that showed plenty of grit and determination throughout the first half, but the Eagles appeared to be the more talented team.

Ultimately, the Eagles won the field position battle and ended up with the ball on a short field in the second quarter. Anthony Saba took a pitch from QB Brad Beaver and scampered down the left sideline for the games first and final touchdown of the game.  The Birds were able to punch it in on the extra point attempt and led 7-0 as the game headed into half time.

The second half was a slugfest as the defenses controlled the game.  Again the Eagles eventually tilted the field possession in their favor with a strong running game led by Parker “Turbo” Holland.  To their credit, the Six Shooters managed to stuff the Eagles with a nice goal line stand.  The Eagles defense took the field and the Six Shooters hearts when Maison Ardans clobbered the Six Shooters running back in the end zone for safety and a 9-0 lead.  The Eagles held the Six Shooters in check the rest of the way and the offense mercifully ran out the clock giving the Eagles their third win of the season and setting up a huge game with the undefeated Rams next weekend.