Marble Falls fifth-graders win youth football title
CAPTION: Marble Falls fifth-grade running back Van Michael scores the first touchdown of the Hill Country Youth Football League championship Nov. 4. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Marble Falls Youth Football and Cheer’s fifth-graders shut out Boerne 22-0 Nov. 4 to win the 2023 championship in that age group of the Hill Country Youth League.
“If you build a team around you, you will be successful,” head coach Nicholas Wood told the players afterward. “I’m super, super proud of you.”
The Mustangs were simply outstanding throughout the contest.
After a scoreless first quarter, Marble Falls running back Van MIchael took a handoff 12 yards to paydirt for the 6-0 lead with 7 minutes and 15 seconds left in the half.
In the third quarter, Marble Falls running back Reese Butler scampered 35 yards to the end zone. Michael added the two-point kick for the 14-0 advantage with 1:29 left in the period.
Running back Easton Packer put the game out of reach on a five-yard run to the end zone. The two-point kick was good for a 22-0 lead with 91 seconds left in the game.
The Marble Falls defense, like it had throughout the season, stepped back on the field determined to preserve the shutout.
The Mustangs caught an interception to allow the offense to take a knee for the win. That interception was the second of the game. The Marble Falls defense also had three fumble recoveries and forced a turnover on downs.
Just how dominant was the Marble Falls defense this season? Simply, it did not allow an offensive score. The Mustangs outscored opponents 208-13 in 2023. And the 13 points came on a fumble by the Marble Falls offense that was returned for a defensive touchdown and a special teams touchdown.
Quarterback Charles Wood explained why the offense was able to be successful.
“We work as a team, and we block well,” he said. “We work as a team and sacrifice. It’s a very lucky team we have.”
“We have studs on the line,” lineman Brayden Wingate said.
Tristan Moseley caused Boerne’s first fumble of the game and celebrated the team’s first championship.
“It feels good,” she said.
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CAPTION: Marble Falls’ Easton Packer strips the ball from the Boerne running back and recovers it. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
