FINAL: North Philadelphia Aztecs (PA) 32, Huntington Bch Chargers (CA) 13

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Aztecs Make Ruins out of Chargers

The North Philadelphia Aztecs were victorious over the Huntington Beach Chargers in the Division II Jr. Pee Wee Tomlin Championship game. The Aztecs capitalized on their first trip to the Pop Warner Superbowl Championship.

After the Chargers received the ball to start off the game, the Aztecs defense stood strong and shut down the Chargers running game. Once the Aztecs offense took the field it only took two plays to put their first points on the board. The Aztecs made a hand off to #7 who took the ball up the right side of the field for 65 yards and the first score just 3 minutes into the game. The PAT was stuffed by the Chargers defense and the Aztecs were up 6-0.

After the Chargers took over on offense they were faced with a third and long. The Aztecs defense stepped up once again when #98 picked off the pass attempt. The Aztecs offense showed its speed once again as #11 took a hand off from the quarterback and made a 40 yard run to the end zone. The PAT was stopped once again but with the Aztecs scoring with each possession, the Chargers needed to make adjustments as the first quarter ended with the score of 12-0.

The Aztecs continued their offensive strike early in the second quarter as they recovered the ball on downs in Chargers territory. The quarterback #5 scored the Aztecs third touchdown on 21 yard keeper run to the left. The PAT was stopped by Huntington bringing the score to 18-0 with 8:40 left in the first half.

The Chargers were not going to end the half without putting up a good fight, on their next possession the Chargers marched their way down field in search of their first score. On fourth and long, the quarterback completed a pass bringing the ball down to the 6 yard line. Two plays later the Chargers showed they were still pounding the field as #30 ran the ball in the end zone for a 4 yard score. The Chargers gave the ball to #30 on the PAT as he charged past the Aztecs defense to give the Chargers 7 points with 40 seconds left in the first half. At the end of the half both teams retreated to their sides with the score 18-7.

Despite the Chargers run for the first score, the Aztecs offense was tough to stop. On their first possession of the half, the Aztecs continued their strikes from the ground as #2 broke up the middle in a 42 yard run for a score. This time the Aztecs gave the ball to #22 who zigged and zagged his way for the extra point. The Aztecs took the score to 25-7.

The Chargers looked primed to make another offensive strike, but once again the Aztecs defense showed how they can make big plays as #88 intercepted the ball and took over on their own 12 yard line. The Aztecs marched into the Chargers territory with the help of a 45 yard run by #11. On the next play quarterback #5 dropped back and completed a pass to #4 who made a run into the end zone for a 15 yard play. The Aztecs completed the next PAT and went up 32-7 against the Chargers at the end of the 3 rd quarter.

Looking to put some more points on the board, the Chargers offense stormed down field. As they pushed deep into Aztec territory, the Chargers faked the hand off and gave the ball to #28 who ran the ball up the middle for a 10 yard score. The Chargers showed the fight and determination which got them to the Championship game this season as they proudly put 6 more points on the board. The final score after a failed PAT from the Chargers was 32-13.

As the game came to an end cheers and chants resounded from Aztecs side of the field. The Aztec coach commented that he's happy to get “get these kids out of the city and down to Disney World for a week.” With the Aztecs first appearance in the Pop Warner Championship, the Aztecs will bring 20 of its players back next year and hope to be back in the Championship game as well.

Congratulations to both teams for a hard fought game, both teams should be extremely proud of their achievements this season!