On Sunday, the PFFL hosted the first-ever edition of the Steel City Classic at Cupples Field, with teams from several states traveling to compete and take home the coveted title. In the 10-to-12 year-old age division, the DOLPHINS — a group mainly consisting of PFFL players — and the YOUNGBLOODS were the final two teams left to play.
When all was said and done, the DOLPHINS failed to take advantage of their opportunities on offense while the YOUNGBLOODS exploded in the second half, winning 22-12.
After a DOLPHINS turnover to start the game, the YOUNGBLOODS got on the board right away, going up 6-0 on a long touchdown pass over the middle of the field. The receiver ran right between two defenders, who each overcommitted trying to cut off the throw.
The teams traded turnovers on downs the next two possessions, and the DOLPHINS had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead going into the half. Instead, the YOUNGBLOODS came up with a huge safety, as the DOLPHINS quarterback held onto the ball with no receivers open.
At the break, the score was 8-0 in favor of the YOUNGBLOODS — who were set to receive the ball first in the second half.
But on the opening possession of the half, DOLPHINS cornerback Hasaun Marshall made an impact play, picking off the YOUNGBLOODS quarterback and returning it all the way for a touchdown. The conversion was no good, but the lead had been trimmed as the score was now 8-6.
Coming down the stretch, the DOLPHINS needed a stop to keep their hopes of winning alive. The YOUNGBLOODS weren’t going to let that happen though, as they scored two consecutive touchdowns to make it 22-6, effectively putting the game away.
The DOLPHINS added a late touchdown, but the result was already determined, as the YOUNGBLOODS ran out the clock and celebrated the victory.
Despite the lopsided score, the tournament was an overwhelming success, giving fans lots of exciting action. Next year, the league will look to expand the tournament in order to grow its identity and provide more competition for players and spectators alike.
