The Western Communities Football League ended its regular season with super bowl games for each age division on Saturday, Nov. 3.
“These Super Bowls are what every team is practicing and working hard for all season,” WCFL President John Navarro said. “Those lucky enough to make it to the Super Bowl, and even win one, make lifelong memories. These teams have been practicing for 14 weeks, starting in the heat of August, preparing for the chance to play in the final game.”
The day began with the Ultimate Dolphins vs. the Ultimate Patriots in the youngest division. The Patriots won 24-6, led by standout second-year tackle player Joziah Ferrer with two touchdowns and 150 yards rushing. Zion Jones and Mason Gibson also contributed with 80 yards rushing and a touchdown each. Karson Schrader and Matthew Coolman led the Dolphins with Schrader scoring on a rushing touchdown and Coolman rushing for several key first downs. “My players showed lots of heart all year playing hard and battling every Saturday,” Dolphin head coach Brandon Pendergrass said. Patriots head coach Quincy Ferrer thanked the WCFL for “giving him the opportunity to coach these kids and create these moments.”
The second game proved to be the most tightly contested of the day between the Prep Dolphins and the Prep Cowboys. Justice Jones Rushed for one touchdown in regulation and another one in overtime to give the Cowboys a 13-6 win. With the Cowboys leading 6-0 and with 25 seconds left in the game, Alfonso Carter caught a touchdown reception for the Dolphins from Gavin Serkin to send the game into overtime. Cowboys head coach Jorge Alonzo credits the Dolphins as a “very well coached team and a challenging team to beat.” Dolphins head coach Jake Driggers said, “Our defense played amazing, and I’m very proud of my team. I wouldn’t trade any of my players for anyone.”
In the Varsity Division, the Dolphins and Broncos both pulled off upset wins to reach the super bowl. Dolphin head coach John Butler said the season “was like a roller coaster ride up and down, but they finally came together the last two games.” Nedrick Boldin had a great game scoring three touchdowns, and Jace Coolman added one for the Dolphins to help defeat the Broncos 27-6. The Broncos couldn’t keep up after a touchdown was called back due to a penalty right before the half. Bronco head coach Brett Martin said his defense “was tough all game, and we knew going in that the team with the least number of mistakes would win the game.” Landon Earl scored the lone touchdown for the Broncos. “My team played great as a team all year, and that’s all we can ask for,” Martin said.
The final game featured the Pro Steelers vs. the Pro Dolphins. The game was a close, hard-fought battle, as most expected it would be. Matt Galardi started the scoring off returning the opening kickoff in for a touchdown, getting the Dolphins off to a quick 8-0 lead following a two-point kick. The Steelers responded, taking the ensuing drive down the field, and Ryan Anthony ran in for a Steelers touchdown, trying the game 8-8 following a two-point kick. The teams settled in, and the score remained 8-8 at halftime. Anthony added another score for the Steelers, and Andrew Mack scored a touchdown for the Dolphins, bringing the score to 16-15 in favor of the Steelers. Late in the fourth quarter, Anthony was able to get in the end zone for his third score of the day. The Steelers missed the extra two-point kick, leaving the score 22-15 with two minutes to go in the game.
In the last two minutes, the Dolphins started deep in their own territory and engineered a great two-minute drive to get down near the goal line. On the last play, Jaxson Patterson was stopped just before reaching the goal line for the potential game-tying touchdown, which secured the championship for the Pro Steelers. “We have a great group of kids, and we loved being a part of the WCFL family,” Dolphins head coach Brett Carter said. As the Steelers celebrated their win, head coach Jose Sime couldn’t give enough credit to the Dolphins. “They are a well-coached team with several very good football players, and they are an A-class team,” he said. Sime was quick to comment on how great Anthony played. “Ryan has been in the WCFL for several years and never won a super bowl,” he said. “When I drafted him, I told him we would get him one, and I am just so happy for Ryan and the rest of the players.”
WCFL Vice President K.D. Jones was thrilled with the successful season. “This season was very competitive with several very good athletes competing,” he said. “We had knowledgeable football coaches and great families and fans, who produced one of the best WCFL tackle football seasons.”
The 2018 Tackle Football Banquet will be held Thursday, Nov. 15. Flag football registration is now open. Both the banquet and the flag season can be registered for at www.wcflfootball.com.
