A grudge match between the STEELERS and the BEARS produced the same outcome as their first meeting did: BEARS win 19-12. The final week of the Youth League season usually brings out the best performances that our young athletes have to offer. For the BEARS, three players in particular impacted the game with clutch performances. Skyler Clemens, Malik Marmon, and Josiah Vaughn A.K.A. “The Three Bears” each scored a touchdown for the winning team.

BEARS Quarterback John Lindgren had an exceptional passing day, throwing for two touchdowns in the game. While his team played well enough to win the game, the QB astutely pointed out that his squad executed much better in the second half than it did in the first half.

“The first half we were asleep,” Lindgren said. “We had to wake up and that’s what we did in the second half.”

Marmon, who scored twice, explained that he was successful because he “listened to the coach [PFFL All-Star Pete Manetas] tell the plays and I just did the plays right.”

When I asked Clemens to describe his TD reception, the young man took a moment to gather his thoughts and then responded with “I just had to believe in myself.” 

Although the STEELERS came up short against a team that appears to have black-and-gold’s number after beating them for the second time this season, they should be encouraged by the efficient passing of their QB Aiden Sekelik. The signal caller completed two touchdowns to two-time Youth League 

Champion Martin Staresinic.