Last season the RAVENS beat the STEELERS in the final game 30-27. This time, the STEELERS exorcised the demon of their championship loss by executing a 13-0 shutout over the RAVENS.
Louie Cipolla and Jake Kozarian were defensive gurus for the STEELERS. Both players caught interceptions for the PFFL Youth League version of the “Steel Curtain” defense of the 1970s.
According to Cipolla, “The quarterback had three wide receivers out there and by the time he threw it I just saw his eyes and knew what he was doing. Kozarian also explained his ability to catch an interception against the RAVENS’ quarterback. “When he threw the ball I saw it had too much arc on it and I just ran over ‘cause I was pretty close to it and just intercepted it.”
In addition to Cipolla and Kozarian, Nikyla Wolford was an effective rusher. She provided consistent pressure on the RAVENS’ quarterback leading to her teammates’ two interceptions. Wolford also contributed a couple of sacks.
When asked to elaborate on their individual contributions to the STEELERS, both young men were very aware of their responsibilities to the team. “I’m the quarterback,” Cipolla said. “I try to teach all the little kids that are on my team; try to help them out…and just tell them what to do if they don’t know.” Mr. Kozarian was less specific about his role with the STEELERS. “I catch and defend I guess,” he said.
For the RAVEN perspective Khalil “Munchie” Schaffer explained that “Half of the people didn’t know how to play…but we play flag football just to have fun.”
