Week 4 of the youth league featured an exciting matchup between the PATRIOTS and the BRONCOS.  Coming into the game, both teams held a record of 1-2 and were striving for the win that would set them at an even .500.

The BRONCOS struggled on their opening drive, fumbling two handoffs in a row on first and second down.  On the other hand, the PATRIOTS got out to a fast start.  On third down, QB Patrick Panichella threw a long bomb to Aiden Sekelik for a touchdown.  The extra point was good to Aiden and the PATS took an early 7-0 lead.  

The offensive struggles continued for the BRONCOS on their next drive when QB LaRae Butler threw an interception to Patrick, who took it into the endzone for a pick-six.  

Despite being down 13-0, the BRONCOS did not give up.  After forcing the PATRIOTS to turn the ball over on downs, the BRONCOS were able to put points on the board.  AJ Tannenbaum took over at QB and handed it off to LaRae, who took it the length of the field for a touchdown.  Beau Gilliard rejected the PATRIOTS’ chance to answer the score with an interception and the BRONCOS went into halftime down 13-6.  

Coming out of halftime, the PATRIOTS were ready to strike.  On first down of their first possession, Daniel Calero handed the ball off to Patrick who diced up the BRONCOS defense to take it the length of the field for a touchdown.

However, that score would be the last of the game for both teams.  The defenses of both teams completely dominated the second half.  The PATRIOTS kept falling just shy of attaining the needed first down at midfield and the BRONCOS were still having trouble on offense.  Because of the stellar second half defensive play, the game ended 19-6 in favor of the PATRIOTS.

The BRONCOS struggled to get things going offensively in this one.  They have a book of solid offensive plays, but they are having trouble executing them.  Several times, reversals that could have gone for significant yardage, were stopped at the line of scrimmage because of fumbled handoffs.  The defense is definitely the BRONCOS strong suit with all team members contributing to make game-saving tackles.  If the BRONCOS can improve their offensive play, they could do well in playoffs.

The PATRIOTS played very well in this game and earned a well-deserved win.  Offensively, the PATRIOTS were led by Patrick Panichella, who is a clear standout and leader on the team.  He also has a slew of capable receivers to throw to in Aiden, Daniel, and Carter Haney.  Their defense also looked strong in the game, holding the BRONCOS to just one touchdown all game.  If the PATRIOTS keep up the efficient throwing game on offense and continue to make the necessary tackles, they could be a dark horse in playoffs.