La Miranda (CA) vs. Columbus (OH)

“Matadors Pound Day-Stars ! ”

In football, and in life, we all know that“practice makes perfect”. The awesome Matadors from La Miranda ,California proved that adage today by relying on what they do best to grab a convincing opening round Jr. Pee Wee Division 1 victory over the speedy Day-Stars from Columbus, Ohio.

La Miranda Assistant Coach Ybarra told us, “Coach Lonnie, our head coach, has been running the same offense now for twenty year. Ten plays to the left, ten to the right , with a pass play every now and then. It's a proven thing. The kids learn it quickly and it works for us.” See what we mean about practice makes perfect?

Today, the Matadors worked their plan to perfection, but it took a little while to get it going. Columbus took the opening kickoff and stormed to the 50 yard line before La Miranda's tough defense stopped the drive.

Both teams battled back and forth through the opening stanza, until the Matadors right side cornerback picked off a Day-Stars' pass and
rambled 45 yards for a touchdown . The PAT was no good and at the end of the first quarter, La Miranda led 6-0 .

In the second quarter, Columbus drove to the 25 yard line of La Miranda. Then , spreading receivers four-wide, they uncorked a beautiful pass , catch and run to the end zone. The one-point PAT was good and the Day-Stars were on top 7-6 with 8:13 to go in the half.

But, the Matadors came right back driving down to the 14 yard line of the Day-Stars on three plays. The Matadors tailback sliced off left tackle and squirted into the end zone. Again , the PAT failed, but with 4:43 to go in the half , the Matadors had recaptured the lead 12-7 .

Unfortunately for the Day-Stars, a series of penalties stalled their usually potent offense. The Matadors again took over in Columbus territory. Moving down to the ten yard line , the Matadors took the ball up the gut to score again. This time the kick for the PAT was good and the Matadors closed out the first half with a 20-7 lead.

In the third quarter, La Miranda struck early on another running TD . The PAT attempt failed, but the kids from Cally padded their lead at 26-7. From there, La Miranda's tough defense took over, denying the Day-Stars pass-and-run offense at every turn. The final score was La Miranda 26-Columbus 7.

Congratulations to La Miranda on a great opening game win! They now go on to play the mighty Mustangs from Virginia Beach in Division 1 Jr. Pee Wee semi-final play on Wednesday. Props to Columbus, as well! They now go on to play Vallejo, California in a consolation game- also on Wednesday. The action's heating up at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week- 2005 . Come on out and feel the spirit!