Yes, it is true that the executive of the Joe MacDonald Youth Football League have gone to great lengths, over the years, to ensure that the focus for the young players under their stead is far more on fundamental skill development, than it is on following the scoreboard.
Still, the excitement of winning a tough matchup on the very last play of the game is difficult to contain.
Mitch Lamour darted home from five yards out Monday afternoon at the James Jerome Sports Complex, deadlocking the Bantam contest between the Mustangs and Raiders at 12-12, just as the final buzzer sounded.
Needing the extra point for the win, the Mustangs went to their tried and true fullback, Deon McGregor, who barrelled in from five yards out as his team celebrated a 13-12 triumph.
"The quarterback got the ball from the center, the other guy blocked for me, and I just took the ball and rushed in," said McGregor of the game-winning score. "It was close, it was really close."
Just 12 years of age and in his second year of football (but first year at bantam), McGregor made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, opening the scoring with a two yard run in the second quarter, and pursuing opposing backs relentlessly for his position of defensive end.
That would be critical, as the Mustangs defense had their hands full with talented tailback Tyson McFadden, a 14 year-old benefactor of a wonderful combination of size and speed.
McFadden scampered for touchdown runs of 48 and 28 yards, lifting his team to a 12-6 lead early in the final quarter. "I like to beat guys to the outside, but if there's no hole, I just want to try and go through people, and hopefully not let go of the ball," said McFadden.
His season curtailed by an ankle injury last fall, the grade nine student at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School decided to make a move away from linebacker as he returned for his sophomore season of JMYFL action.
"I wanted to play running back this year," said McFadden. "From always watching football, running back was always my favourite position. I find offense gets more of the glory, so I thought I would try it out."
Defensively, both Dylan Damboise and Cooper Fontaine distinguished themselves for the Mustangs with fumble recoveries, while speedy safety Carter Will was all over the field for the Raiders, leading his team in tackles.
In games played earlier in the day, the Hurricanes blanked the Blue Devils 27-0 in bantam action, while tyke encounters would see the Storm outscore the Demons 13-0, with the Pirates corralling the Colts 20-13.
The Labour Day festivities marked the traditional opening of the Joe Mac season, with games now moving to Saturdays for much of the fall, except for the Thanksgiving long weekend, when players and coaches will take to the field on a Monday.
