Miami —  Miami vs. Globe junior high game number 3. With the Vandals defeating the Tigers in their first 2 meetings of the season, the Tigers came into the game not only looking for some redemption but also to advance to the championship game against Eloy next week. The Vandals on the other hand look to be 3-0 against the Tigers and earn the chance to battle Eloy on October 24 championship game.

The 1st quarter started off with a Miami drive. Miami quarterback Escobedo using his feet to move the chains, while teammate Eddie Benavidez having some nice power runs up the middle and with #21, Justin Cook having a 46 yard run touchdown. Miami defense goes without letting their offense have all the spotlight as they get the 3 and out forced punt, with #25 Brayden Scott making the stop in Globes backfield. The Tigers defense come right back flexing their muscles as they force a 3 and out punt against Miami. 

The 2nd quarter started after a beautiful 20 yard return by Tigers #5 Jace O’Conner which led to a Tiger quarterback keeper (#5) touchdown to put the tigers on the board (failed 2 point conversion) score: 8 to 6 Miami. Globe’s defense on the field now eventually forcing/recovering a Miami fumble, however the Tiger offense not being able to capitalize as the Vandal defense forced a Tiger punt. Not a very long punt for the Tigers as the ball takes a Vandal hop and out of nowhere Jacob Goss picks up the ball showing off his speed as he advances it for a 47 yard punt return touchdown! Score: 16 to 6 Vandals.

Tigers come back on offense trying to answer with a touchdown of their own, but are met by a swarm of Vandal defenders who force and recover a Tiger fumble. Vandals offense advance the ball to the Tiger 3 yard line while the Vandal staff takes a time out with 2 seconds on the clock.

Vandals looking to shed some more blood before the half, but the Tigers defense says no way as they make the big stop leaving the Vandals short of the goal line.

Halftime talk with Tigers coach Cariag Jones: I asked coach Jones what’s  working? Coach Jones responded with “Establishing the running  game early, getting the run to the outside is our primary goal, but what’s working is running the ball up the middle”. 

When asked what kind of improvements he would like to see happen in the second half? Coach Jones responded with just one word, “blocking”.

Halftime talk with Vandals coach Manuel Noriega. I asked coach Noriega what’s working? Coach Noriega responded “having good athletes, they learn the plays well, and they execute them well”. I then asked coach Noriega if we’ll be seeing anything different in the second half? Noriega: “No! We’re accomplishing what we want to do, we just need to stay focused”.

Summing up the 3rd quarter  with 1 word “defense”! Defense on both sides of the ball was on point as the Vandals were relentless with the blitz and constant pressure and as the Tigers  continued to show their strength with the likes of players like Beau Gerardo, Damonn Encizo making big plays on the defensive side of the ball while the Tiger defense forces and recovers another fumble. With the exception of a huge Tiger 30 yard pass completion down field to #3 Angel Hernandez, it really was a defensive quarter. 

Starting the fourth quarter was the Vandals taking over the ball after the Tigers turnover on downs. Vandals quarterback Escobedo with a successful completion to #81 for a 40 yard Vandal touchdown. The 2 point conversion was good (as where the first two) the score now: 24 to 6 Miami 4:21 left in the game. The Tigers next possession had some pass completions however they found them selves in desperation mode as they go for it on 4th down and are unsuccessful. Tigers defense remaining to give it their all as they cause and recover another fumble giving their offense the ball back with 1:08 left in the clock. Tigers take over from their own 38 yard line and go with a pass play on their first attempt.

Tigers quarterback steps back, looks left, fires over the mid-left side of the field where Vandals defender Stratton Palmer makes a high leap with the stretched out hands making the interception on the ball and
returning it up field for a couple yards locking away the Vandals victory over the Tigers for the 3rd time this year.

The Vandals respectfully take a couple knees on the ball ending the game. 
Vandals advanced to the championship game against Eloy on Tuesday, October 24 at 6 p.m. (past press time).

The results will be in next weeks edition as well as online at www.silverbelt.com