By Darrel Wheeler
Skyline Tigers and the Raiders of Balboa survived the weekend heat wave and went toe-to-toe for six games last Saturday at Morse High School, for their annual pre-season football challenge.
Both associations have similar goals and aspirations. The indefinable Q Bowl is high on the agenda, as both associations will be making a push to reclaim their positions at the top of the SDYFL food chain.
“We have some teams that I think have a real good chance at winning a Q-Bowl this year, but it’s too early to tell. We will have to wait and see,” shared El Presidente of Balboa Ed Smith. “I will tell you this if our Tiny Mites could play in the Q Bowl, I bet you they would be in there. That’s an awesome little team.”
The Flag teams got the hot action started at 8:45 am. The Raider Flag snatchers defeated Skyline’s flag snatchers 14-6. According to National Sports Report, Balboa’s Tiny Mites team is currently ranked number seven in the nation and second in the state, behind number one Santa Monica’s Vikings.
That high ranking didn’t appear to impress the Tigers that much, however the Raiders took care of business and easily defeated the host Tigers.
Tiny Mite Head Coach Stephen Cooper does not care about where his team is ranked. “I saw the ranking, I don’t know how they do that, but I’m not concerned about rankings. I’m concerned about next week against Otay Ranch. They gave us trouble last year, and they have a great organization but we will get it done,” Coach Cooper said.
Skyline finally got on the winning side when their Mighty Mites featured speedster Ms. J Webb. She side stepped and out ran Balboa’s hostile silver and black attackers leading Skyline to their first victory of the day.
The JPW Tigers followed with a victory overcoming a 14 point first quarter deficit to defeat the Raiders. Tigers Quincy Herron and Josiah Cox used their ‘A’ games to secure a victory against their rivals. “We played a good game against a real good team. When we were losing I told my team not to worry and to keep their heads up and stay focused.” Tiger Josiah Cox said “We have a lot of leaders and talent on our team, that’s why I think we have a real good chance to go all the way.” A rematch will be must see TV.
“We have a great team and we’re trying to go to the top, the Raiders beat us in the past we got them back today,” said JPW Tiger Quincy Herron. Balboa’s PW and JM Raiders shut down the Tiger’s attack with back to back victories.
“We beat the Tigers they couldn’t see us we got too many weapons but they have a pretty good team, I think we got the best two back combination in the division don’t sleep on Balboa we don’t want to beat teams we want to destroy them”. Balboa JM Head Coach Darius George said.
“We got Jaylen Thompson, Moses Jackson and Me-shack, the quarterback. They are unstoppable, we are fast, elusive and exciting come see us.” JM Raiders won 26-6.
“I have no excuses, but that’s why they call it a pre-season game. If they want to be crowned Q Bowl champs from a scrimmage, go right ahead, come talk to me in November,” said Skyline Coach Reggie Webb. Skyline’s Midgets overwhelmed Balboa to close out the long hot day of football. Balboa won 4 out of 7 games.
