9-10 year-olds: Dolphins blank Panthers
The Dolphin offensive line helped propel a powerful running game, which got things going on the scoreboard early thanks to a 10-yard Dustin Rhea run. Ken Clayton added the extra point to give the Dolphins a 7-0 lead.
Michael Thrower scored on a 50-yard run in the second quarter, with Clayton once again adding the PAT for a 14-0 halftime edge.
Thrower connected for a 10-yard touchdown pass to McCain Smock in the third quarter, with Rhea running in for the PAT, and Clayton added a 15-yard TD run late in the period with Rhea rushing for another extra point.
Dylan Hillis turned in another offensive highlight, rushing for 34 yards on a reverse to set up one of the Dolphins’ touchdowns.
Defensively, Smock added an interception, while Keifer Bain, Gabriel Walkup and Dustin Rhea helped lead the defensive effort.
Austin Panter had a 20-yard catch for the Panthers, while defensively August Palombo led the way with five tackles. Christian Martin had three, while Panter, Austin McClure and Chase Heath had one each.
• In other 9-10 action, the Titans came back to down the Steelers 18-12.
Mack Thomas got things started for the Titans with a 70-yard kickoff return to even the score at 6-6.
In the third quarter, Thomas struck again with a touchdown, and Montrese Long came through with another TD for the final margin of victory.
Thomas finished with 88 yards on five carries, while Long had two touches for 45 yards. Austin Fisk had five carries for 45 yards, while Frankie Martin Jr. had 40 yards on six attempts.
Defensively, Martin led the way with seven tackles and a fumble recovery, while Casey Locke had five tackles. Thomas had four stops and a fumble recovery, and saved the game with a late interception.
Titans coaches credited their defense, including Cody and Tyler Forth, Long, Fisk, Martin and Quentin McKinley, with holding off the Steelers in the fourth quarter and preserving the win.