FINAL: Manassas Mutiny (VA) 42, E. Manatee Bulldogs (FL) 24

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Bulldogs overcome by Mutiny

The Manassas Mutiny defeated the East Manatee Bulldogs in the first round of the Division II Pee Wee League Championships today at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

The Mutiny started off strong on defense. After forcing the Bulldogs to kick, the Mayhem came up with a 25 yard return putting them on their own 45 yard line. The next play put the Mutiny in perfect position to make the first score. A short pass to #80 followed by a long run gave the Mutiny a 51 yard play and a first and goal at the 4 yard line. Just one play later #22 on the Mutiny ran in for the first touch down of the game. The PAT for the Mutiny was blocked making the score 6-0.

Just before the end of the first quarter the Bulldogs were in great position to score. However, their attempt was stifled by two consecutive penalties putting them at 1st and Goal at the 24 yard line to start off the second quarter. On second down the Bulldog quarterback completed a 10 yard pass to # 1. The Bulldogs came up with a big play on fourth and 7 as #1 ran the ball in the end zone to put the Bulldogs on the board. The Bulldogs PAT was good from the foot of #15 and put the Bulldogs up 8-6 with 7:46 left in the half.

As an answer to the Bulldogs continued fight, the Mutiny started their own march down field. The Mutiny picked up a first down on a reverse to #5 followed by a scrambling play from #21 to pick up 15 yards for the Mutiny. The Mutiny continued to run the ball on the ground which leads to a 1 yard score from #25. The Mutiny came through on the PAT going up 14-8 with 3:41 to go in the first half.

After another defensive stop the Mayhem took over on downs in Bulldog territory. With time running down in the half, #25 completed a 47 yard run by dodging and bouncing off tackles to put up another score for the Mutiny before halftime. After another successful PAT, the Mutiny went into halftime with the score 20-8.

The Bulldogs continued to fight in the third quarter and put up another score. But the Mutiny offense was too tough to stop as they answered with two more scores of their own midway through the second half with the score at 34-16.

At 8:43 in the fourth quarter, the Mutiny went on another offensive strike with a 65 yard run by #5. After breaking several tackles, #5 was able to turn the corner and take the ball all the way for the score. With confidence in their kicker, the Mutiny successfully put up another two points bringing the score to 42-16.

The fight in the Bulldogs was still strong as the quarterback completed a 41 yard pass as the receiver was brought down by the defense at the 12 yard line. After a pass interference call the ball was placed on the 2 yard line setting up the keeper play by #11. The score from the PAT put the score at 42-24 with 1:11 left, proving that the Bulldogs final push was not going to be enough to pull out the win.

The Mutiny coach commented on the team's performance by emphasized his message to the team that “the only team that can beat us is ourselves.” By focusing on their defense and determination, the Mayhem will be primed to go out and play football in their next round on Friday at 11:00 a.m.