The Carson Tiny Mites Blue Pop Warner football team prevailed in its season opener against the Carson Tiny Mites Silver, winning 18-0.
The Silver had success on its first possession running the ball up the middle until the Blue defense was able to make the adjustment and stop the Silver runners.
The Blue defense led by Blake Snyder, Nicholas Timba and Conner Larkin were able to thwart the running game. Phillip and Justin Lopez, Cody Radtke and Hunter Wheeler also played well defensivel. Tristan Martel and Dawson Lamb made some key tackles when the Silver offense was within striking distance. Colton Schafer made a key tackle on a sweep right that saved a potential touchdown. Christopher Lyons assisted on numerous tackles.
Offensively, the Blue squad got a huge boost, in the middle of the first half, from Brandon Gagnon, who took the ball on a sweep left 50 yards into the end zone. That was the only score allowed by the Silver defense in the first half.
Carson Blue opened the second half with the ball and Derek Schafer was able to score from 45 yards on a quarterback sweep right. After a big defensive stand Carson Blue got the ball back. With Luke Meyers now at quarterback, he was able to score on a run up the middle behind the blocking of his center Phillip Lopez.
Fullback Jarod Butler was able to establish an inside presence for the Blue team with his strong running up the middle. Conner Larkin provided key blocks as well from the fullback position. Nicholas Timba was solid doing double duty at center. The outstanding play by the offensive line, comprised of Walker Bates, Carl Cavner, Zachary Roark, Gavin Bakkedahl and Conner Arnold, enabled the ball carriers the time needed to for the plays to develop. Tristan Woslum provided the deep threat at wide receiver and provided key blocks that sprung runners loose on the outside runs.
Those involved commented it was a well played game by well coached and disciplined teams comprised of 5, 6 and 7 year olds.