The Carson Senators Junior Pee Wee Blues Pop Warner football team defeated the Reno Chiefs 32-20 on Friday.
The Senators defense and special teams rose to the occasion, causing 4 turnovers in which the Senators offense converted into 14 points. This proved to be the difference in the game.
The Senators took the opening kickoff and drove down to the 2- yard line behind the blocking of Gary Ney, Spencer Oesterling, and Maxx Angel but were unable to score due to a great goal line stand by the Chiefs. The Chiefs took over and scored three plays later with a big run.
The Senators offense responded by driving 50 yards with big plays by Josh Peacock, Michael Lowes, and quarterback Blake Plattsmier. Colton Banta evened the score at 7-7, scoring behind the blocking by offensive lineman Jonathan Shinn, Cisco Scarcella, and center Ryan Hoskins.
Banta recovered a fumble by the Chiefs on the ensuing kickoff and the Senators offense took advantage of the turnover with Plattsmier scoring. The Senators failed to get the extra point, making it 13-7.
The Chiefs responded by scoring on another big run, taking a 14-13 lead. This turned out to be the last big play they would have. The Senators offense executed an impressive drive that was highlighted by Ricky McDonald scoring behind the excellent blocking of Ney, Oesterling and Donnie Kellie, making it 19 -14.
The Senators defense stiffened before the half with Rich Johnson and Danny Gall pressuring the Chiefs quarterback, forcing him to thow a pass that was intercepted by Jason Allred.
A fired up Senators defense took the field for the second half. Led by Dominic Cavilia, Allen Sausedo, Banta, Pat Craugh, and C.J. Davis the defense shut down the Chiefs running game and forced the Chiefs to turn the ball over on downs. The offense took advantage of great field position and Banta scored behind the blocks of Casey Foster, Chris Johnson and Peacock. Plattsmier added the extra point, making it 26-14.
The Senators defense came up with a final turnover when defensive end Cody Metcalf, who was subbing for an injured Gabriel Renteria, deflected a lateral pass that was recovered by Danny Gall. The Senators offense then made several outstanding plays, including a diving catch by Peacock, McDonald the scored off of a pass by Plattsmier, making the score 32-14.
The Chiefs managed to score once more, but the Senators secondary of Mitch Parra, Allred and Tanner Laird shut down the Chiefs receivers, making the the final score 32 to 20.
The Junior Pee Wee Blue Senators will face the Junior Pee Wee Silver Senators at 6 p.m. this Friday at Governors Field.