Cowboys Top Bison In Super Bowl Thriller

Fireworks shot high in the air. Fans rocked the stands. The Marshall Heights Bison (DC) and the Dale City Cowboys (VA) ran through smoke, fists pumping in the air, and charged onto the field at Disney's Wide World of Sports. At long last, the stage was set for the two best teams, out of 1,800 in the country, to square off for all the marbles in Pop Warner Midget Division I Super Bowl - 2003.

When it comes to youth-sports traditions, the Pop Warner Midget Super Bowl championship game has become a classic for football fans from coast-to-coast. And, no wonder. With ESPN and NFL Films crews covering the action, thousands of supporters in the stands and ringing the field roaring their approval, and Disney sponsoring special events galore all around this great event, the action on the field draws more hoopla ever year. In 2002, one touchdown separated the two teams vying for the Super Bowl crown. This year, it came down to one point!

Today's pre-game activities began with a color guard from the Special Operations Forces of the United States Military marching onto the field asPop Warner fans took time to honor these brave defenders of our freedoms. Presenting today's game ball were Vincent, Anthony and Nic holas Cutino from Savannah , Georgia , whose father was killed in a helicopter crash while serving with the Special Forces. After the presentation of the game ball, and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, it was game time!

Adding to this year's drama was the fact that Marshall Heights Bison Midget teams had been to the "Big Game" twice before - losing out in 1999 and 2000. And, Dale City had emerged from four years of Pop Warner Division II play to make it to this Division I Super Bowl for the first time ever. What's more, the Bisons and Cowboys had played twice during the regular season with the Bison winning both games, the second one in a close finish.

The 1st quarter of Pop Warner Super Bowl- 2003 started with Dale City kicking off to the Bison. Marshall Heights returned the ball to their own 37 yard line. But the Dale City defense set the tone for the day on the very first series by holding the punishing Bison offense to three-and-out. Marshall Heights punted to Dale City who took over on their own 19 yard line. This time, the Bison returned the favor as their stingy defense held the Cowboys potent running game to three-and-out.

On fourth down and long, Dale City punted to Marshall Heights . The Bison punt- return man fielded the kick and tucked in behind his blockers . For a split second, a hole opened up and he streaked through it, out- racing the Cowboy defenders 59 yards to the end zone. The Bison missed the extra point kick attempt and the score stood Bison 6- Cowboys 0.

On their next possession, the Cowboys moved the ball well, aided by a pass interference call. But, once again, the Bison defenders rose to the challenge the galloping Cowboys. Dale City was forced to turn the ball over to Marshall Heights on downs just as the quarter ended.

In the second quarter, both teams moved the ball well between the tackles. But again, strong defensive pressure stymied some promising drives. At the half, the score remained Marshall Heights 6 - Dale City 0.

The third quarter opened with the Cowboys returning the kickoff to their own 46 yard line. The Cowboys now tried opening up their attack with aerial strikes. But, twice they were denied completions to wide receivers by good Bison secondary coverage. Still, the Dale City ground game continued to chew up yardage, and the 'Boys found themselves inching towards the Bison red zone. But, midway through the quarter, on a key fourth and one at the Marshall Heights 22 yard line, the Bison defenders stopped the Cowboy ball carrier for no gain.

The Bison offense took over, but it sputtered against the tough Cowboys front wall. With fourth down on their own 17 yard line, the Bison lined up for the punt. But, they failed to block the Cowboys left defensive end who raced in untouched to partially block the kick. The ball traveled a scant two yards and the Cowboys were suddenly in business at the Bison 19 yard line. A quick opener took the ball to the 13, and a little roll-out dump pass took the Cowboys down to the Bison seven as the quarter ended.

The two teams changed ends of the field to begin the fourth quarter. The Cowboys wasted little time in keeping the pressure on the Bison defense. On first and goal, they plunged to the 3 yard line. Then, on second down, the Cowboy tailback blasted off tackle and into the end zone. With the score tied at 6-6, Dale City opted to go for one point on the conversion attempt. The Cowboy tailback took the handoff and quickly punched off left guard to net the all important PAT and a slim lead 7- 6.

Instead of kicking long, Dale City opted for an onside kick. But, it almost cost them dearly. The Bisons recovered the ball on the Dale City 48 and went to work. A sweep left took the ball to the Cowboy 42 yard line. Another run up the gut took the ball to the 34 yard line. On first down, the Bison pounded inside again to the Cowboys 30. The Bison tailback now swept left , toting the ball to the 18 yard line. Another dive off tackle took the Bison to the Cowboy 12. The clock now showed 5:00 to play in the game. The Bison inched closer to paydirt, with a first down run to the 1 yard line. But, the Cowboys defense suddenly rose up as one. Like a brick wall, they denied the Bison runners on one, two, then three plunges into the middle. Finally, on fourth down and goal to go on the one foot line, the Bison opted to take one more crack at the middle of the Cowboy line. But, nobody budged. The Bison back was stuffed! Dale City took over on downs with 1:10 to play!

Quickly, the Bison gathered themselves. With 2:00 to play in the game, they put together a defensive stand of their own, keeping the Cowboys pinned inside their ten yard line on three straight plays. Finally, with 45 seconds left in the game, it looked like the Bison would get the ball and one last shot at pulling this one out. But, on the crucial 4 th down punt, the Bison were whistled for running into the Cowboy kicker. Dale City got the ball once more and ran out the clock. One of the greatest Pop Warner Super Bowl Championship games ever went to the Dale City Cowboys by a score of 7-6.

From the Dale City sideline, an exhausted and elated Cowboys Head Coach Tony Keiling told us "It came down to two evenly matched teams. We got our extra point, they didn't get theirs. I think we were a little stronger up front. Other than that, it was even all the way. "Of the Cowboys amazing goal line stand, Coach Keiling said "We had speed on the outside, so I figured they wouldn't go wide on us. We thought they'd continue to come straight up the middle, and they did. They had a little hesitation on the handoff. That allowed us to get inside and make the play. "

On the other side of the field, Coach Andre Ford's Bison played their hearts out. They came up inches short today, but had one of the best seasons ever in Marshall Heights Pop Warner history.

Of their Disney and Pop Warner experience, Coach Keiling had praise for everyone involved. "We had a wonderful time down here. We had a lot of fun at Disney World. We enjoyed ourselves. We ate great food. This Pop Warner Super Bowl Week is one of the best events for kids going. And, in the end, we proved that Division II teams belong!"

Congratulations to the National Champs Dale City Cowboys and Runner-Up Marshall Heights Bison, two of the best Pop Warner teams the land. Thanks to the players, coaches, fans and supporters from both communities for keeping the tradition of the Pop Warner Super Bowl rolling along! We hope to see you both back for another great Pop Warner Super Bowl Week in 2004.

Story by Bob Field, Jr. and Joel Balthaser