DOWNEY – Last Saturday was the halfway point in the eight-game regular season for Downey Razorback tackle football teams. Only one of the five Hog teams, the Jr. Midgets, was successful against strong opponents from Santa Monica and Twin Cities.

The undefeated Junior Midget Razorbacks (10, 11 and 12-year-olds) met the Santa Monica Vikings at the standing room only stadium at Santa Monica High School. Both teams had perfect records (3-0) going into the game and the winner would emerge as one of only two undefeated teams in the division.

The game started with a Downey fumble on the kickoff and Santa Monica recovering deep in Razorback territory. The Hog defense rose to the challenge, however, and took over possession of the ball after only four plays.

Fancy ball handling by quarterback Rafael Rodriguez completely befuddled the Vikes as the Hogs methodically marched down the field. The Razorbacks then stunned the home team with a Justin Huff run of 50 yards and the score. Once again the starting defense led by Rodriguez, Austin Espinosa, Huff, Jacob Cook, Miguel Esquitin, Joshua Medina, Frank Arrellano, Moses Alaniz, Aaron Castillo, Joshua Palacios, and Onei Chaul dominated Santa Monica.

When the Hogs took possession of the ball in the next series, it wasn’t long before Medina scored on a 45-yard run to put the Hogs ahead, 12-0. The Downey offense continued to move the ball. Huff, Medina, Alaniz and Jelani Dozier-Jones made a number of fine runs but were unable to score again against the tough Santa Monica defense before halftime.

In the third quarter, the Vikes were held in their red zone by the defense, which also now included Jonathan Haik, Angel Luevanos, Justin Commodore and Martin Gutierrez. A pass by Santa Monica to the 1 yard line got the Vikes their deepest penetration of the game. Santa Monica had four tries from the one and failed to score as the Downey defense once again rose to the occasion. Jacob Cook made the defensive play to hold the Vikes at the one on fourth down.

The Hogs then went on a 99-yard scoring drive for the 18-0 lead. The bulk of the scoring drive was an 85-yard dash by Medina. When the Hogs next got possession of the ball, Dozier-Jones, Cook and Alaniz gained good yardage until the drive stalled.

The game ended on yet another defensive play when the Hogs’ Dozier-Jones intercepted a pass ending any chance for a Santa Monica score.

MityMites (7, 8 and 9-year-olds) lost to a very tough Santa Monica Viking team, 24-0. The Vikings have not been scored upon in their four games, and didn’t let down for the Downey game, holding the Hogs scoreless.

With the loss, the MityMite record falls to 1-3.

Junior PeeWee (8, 9 and 10) had difficulty sustaining drives and lost to Santa Monica, 6-0. It was a difficult defensive game as the score indicates, but Downey seemed to be its own worst enemy with missed opportunities.

The Junior PeeWee record is 2-2 as they prepare for Gardena.

PeeWee Hogs (9, 10 and 11) also lost6-0. The PeeWee record is also 2-2. Both of the PeeWee losses have been by the 6-0 score.

The Midget Razorbacks failed to convert on their two touchdowns and fell to Twin Cities, 12-13. Every game the Midgets (2-1) have played has been a one-point decision.

This week, all five Razorback tackle teams travel to Gardena to take on the Mohicans. The MityMite game begins at 9 a.m. and subsequent games are every two hours.

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Published: October 9, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 25