FINAL: Newington Knights (CT) 28, West Valley Falcons (CA) 8

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Knights Conquer Falcons

Just a few hours after a Connecticut team won its first Pop Warner Championship, the Newington Knights in the Jr. Midget league made double history in their victory over the West Valley Falcons on Friday afternoon at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

The Knights attacked first as a series of running plays lead up to a 60 yard break away run into the end zone. The Knight did not convert on the PAT kick but were on the board in the first quarter with the score 6-0.

Answering the Knights' offensive drive, the Falcons put together a drive of their own. The Falcons offense soared down field in a series of pass plays leading up to a short pass into the end zone. The Falcons converted on the two point kick and took the lead by the end of the first quarter at 8-6.

The second quarter showcased the tough defense of both teams as Newington 's #50 came up with an interception at the 13 yard line to stop the Falcons on their drive for another score. Newington , however, could not find the holes in the Falcons defense and were forced to punt.

The Falcons put together another series of passing plays, including a 44 yard pass from quarterback #7 to #85. But the Knights defense managed to come up with another stop and force the Falcons to punt. As the defenses battled back and forth, the Falcons had possession as the first half wound down. However their attempt for a last second score was denied by yet another interception by Newington 's #30 to end the half.

As the second half got under way the scattered showers over Disney made their way into the area. The rain did not have any affect on the Knights' offense. On their first possession of the half, the Knights came up with a run that looked like it would be a score. However, as the ball dropped out of the runners hand it was recovered by the Knight just inches in front of the goal line. On the next play, Newington stuck to their guns and punched the ball up the middle for the score. This time the kicker found his rhythm and put the ball through the uprights as the Knights regained the lead 14-8.

The Knights came up with another defensive stop as the Falcons were forced to punt and the Knights took over on their own 32 yard line. The first play of the drive, the quarterback handed the ball off to #25 as he took the ball 68 yards to the end zone. Despite the blocked PAT kick, the Knights pulled further away from the Falcons with the score of 20-8 leading into the fourth quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter the Falcons were in a race against the clock to make their comeback on the Knights. Unfortunately, the Knights defense was pumped up and they weren't going to let the Falcons get this one back. The Knights had possession of the ball with less than a minute to go. On fourth down, the Knights took the field in punt formation. After the snap, the Knights faked the punt and handed the ball to #60 as he ran for the right side line and continued all the way into the end zone. The final PAT was good and the Knights sealed their victory with the score of 28-8.

The Mayor of Newington made the trip down from New England and expressed how proud the entire town is of all the players and coaches. He also commented on how important the Pop Warner program is to the town of Newington , because the kids love it and they work so hard to succeed. The Mayor was excited and states, “to win 2 championships is amazing.”

As the Pop Warner commissioner handed the trophy over to head Coach Jeff Perillo, he described the moment as “unbelievable.” He said that his team had a great year, and despite the fact that they always went in as the under dog, it was their hard work and dedication that paid off in the way of this Championship. The town of Newington put itself on the Pop Warner Super Bowl map today by winning back to back Championships, as they hope to continue in the success in the program.

Congratulations to both teams for a hard fought battle on the field. Pop Warner Football Championships hopes the Falcons and Knights will be back in years to come to compete for another championship.