Midgets and Pony’s Hit the Field

By Joe Hall
The Lavaca Little League Football teams opened their 2018 seasons on Saturday. Both the 3&4 grade “Pony” and the 5&6 grade “Midget” teams took the field to face the Mena Bearcats. Both Lavaca teams took it on the chin to open the season. Lavaca Pony’s lost 28-0 while the Midgets lost 28-6.
As these Arrow teams prepare for next weeks games at Heavener, these are some positive things to look at. For the Pony’s, there were several good tackles at the line of scrimmage. The Bearcats had difficulties running up the gut. If the Pony Arrows can contain the ends against Heavener, they can eliminate the big plays that cost them today. Sammy Miller (42), Mason Brown (26), and Gavin Oliver (22) all had tackles for losses. Offensively, Finn Schmalz (5) ran the ball hard with some success. The other key to this game was turnovers. Pony Arrows coughed up the ball 3 times. The good news is that is something that can be resolved.

For the Midget team, they found themselves or the wrong end of field position most of the night, having to start their drives from deep in their own side of the 50. Like the Pony’s, the Midgets were stingy between the tackles and as they tighten up the containment they should be able to right the ship. The Bearcat scores mostly came on end around and pass plays. But again, theMidgets do have some really good things to hang their hat on. Caleb Brewer (44), and Ethan Leonard (4) ran the ball hard picking up extra yards after contact. Defensively, Hudson Noel (34) recovered a Bearcat fumble. Lavaca’s only points came from a pick 6 interception by Tanner Griffith (23). Tanner returned the ball 75 yards for the score.
This was not the results that these two Lavaca teams were looking for, but they need to keep their heads up. There are adjustments that no doubt will be made before their next outing. If these kids will keep working hard and believe in each other, they will see the results that they are looking for.
As Always
Go Arrows!
Arrow Pride!