Steel Boys Improve to 2-0

The Steel Boys 3rd Grade Flag Football team won their second consecutive game on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, holding on for a 12-6 victory. What appeared to be a high octane offensive outburst for both teams turned into a defensive struggle. The Steel Boys' opponents took just 2 plays to score the game's first touchdown as Donovan waited along the sidelines, but their extra point effort was stopped, and the Steel Boys found themselves down quickly 6-0. They did not allow themselves to stay down, however, as they followed suit and scored on just 2 plays themselves. Donovan Ferguson showed off his blocking ability as he opened a big hole for Derek Owens to scamper through, advancing the ball inside their opponents' 20 yard line to the 18. Quarterback Ben Mendella then ran it in unfazed on the next play to tie the score 6-6.

The Steel Boys tightened up their defense and they got the ball back on downs. Donovan Ferguson trook over at quarterback, and the team was moving down the field. On a first down play, Donovan's first pass attempt of the season was almost picked off by Jackson Nichols. On second and 10 Cooper Simmonds rushed for just over 8 yards, with the ball just outside their opponents' 12 yard line. On third and short the Steel Boys tried a fullback run, but Owens was stopped for no gain, bringing up 4th and short. Ben Mendella was open on the right sideline, but the snap was low, and the Steel Boys turned the ball over on downs with just under a minute to play in the first half. Their defense held as Donovan Ferguson's rush on Jackson Nichols caused an errant pass to be picked off by teammate Cooper Simmonds. Donovan Ferguson then completed a 10 yard pass to Derek Owens as the horn sounded, ending the half.

The Steel Boys started the second half with the ball, and once again, Donovan Ferguson's blocking opened up a big hole for Derek Owens, who gained 30 yards to the 10. Cooper Simmonds then tucked the ball under his arm and followed his blockers into the end zone for the Steel Boys' second touchdown of the game. The extra point pass attempt was foiled, leaving the score 12-6 in favor of the Steel Boys.

Neither team was able to mount any further offense as both teams' defenses took over. Donovan had 3 more tackles, two of these occurring on 4th down and short plays, and these proved to be very big plays.