Jr. Mavs dominate in weekend matchups

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake Jr Mavs had another successful day of football last Saturday, with each team that played at home earning a win. The fourth, fifth and seventh-grade teams all hosted at Lions Field. 

“Our fourth-grade boys played another tough game and were the most physical team,” said fourth-grade head coach Josh Herrod. “It’s fun watching their growth and progression. Everything we’ve thrown at them; they’ve been able to handle so far. We’ve worked hard on winning at the snap on both sides and you can see the progress.” 

The fourth-grade Jr Mavs team completely shut out the Connell Jr Eagles, earning a 32-0 victory. Herrod said the team has been expanding their plays and were able to execute this on Saturday. 

Defense was a strong suit for the fourth-grade team as they made multiple major fourth-down stops in the game. Jax Gonzales on the fourth-grade team earned the Big Dog award for the game for an outstanding defensive play he made during the game and Easton Supan from the Jr. Mavs’ fourth-grade team earned the Sportsmanship award. 

The Junior Mavs fifth-grade team had similar success shutting out the Jr Eagles 39-0. Jr Mavs president Tyson Olson said the team’s work in expanding their playbook played a major part in their victory and allowed them to score on every offensive possession and had the defense stepping up to hold their opponent scoreless. 

The sportsmanship award for the fifth-graders went to Blaine Hines. Jordan Garza earned a special shout-out for going four-for-four on PAT’s. 

“Kicking field goals is very uncommon at this age because they are harder to achieve than running a normal offensive play for the point after a touchdown,” said Olson. 

The fifth-graders are undefeated for the season and ranked first overall in the Columbia Basin Youth Football organization. 

“There’s nothing better than playing talented teams from different school districts at Lions Field while watching fifth-grade Jr. Mavericks players develop, understand, and run the high school plays at such a young age,” said fifth-grade head coach Brett Meier. 

On the seventh-grade side, the Jr Mavs team earned a strong 38-8 victory over the Chiawana Jr Riverhawks. The Jr Mavs started the game off strong with a 45-yard touchdown run up the middle on their first play from scrimmage by running back Marcus Pavese.  

“We were able to move the ball at will,” said Olson. “Whether it was through the air or on the ground, we were firing on all cylinders.” 

The sportsmanship award for the seventh-grade team went to Brock Mooney. 

“We really got to see depth and player efforts. We had some players step up and prove themselves when given the opportunity,” said seventh-grade assistant coach Sean McFadin. “We made some adjustments throughout the week, and the team reacted and prepared accordingly.” 

The seventh-graders will have to have their abilities put to the test this weekend as they play against Kamiakin, who is ranked first overall. 

The Jr. Mavs sixth-grade team’s game was postponed and will be rescheduled for a different date. The eighth-grade team was forced to forfeit their game but will look to rebound at home this weekend, said Olson. 

Saturday’s home game schedule at Lions Field: 

Fourth Grade vs Royal City Jr Knights – 9 a.m.
Fifth Grade vs Royal City Jr Knights – 11 a.m.
Sixth Grade vs Royal City Jr Knights – 1 p.m.
Seventh Grade vs Kamiakin Jr Braves – 3 p.m.
Eighth Grade vs Kamiakin Jr Braves – 5 p.m. 

    Beckham La Grave from the Jr. Mavs speeds by the Jr Eagles defenders during Saturday’s game. All three teams that played at home earned significant wins on Saturday.
  

    Jr Mavs seventh-grade player Easton Olson completes a touchdown pass in their victory over the Chiawana Jr. Riverhawks. The seventh-graders will have to have their abilities put to the test this weekend as they play against Kamiakin, who is ranked first overall.
  

    Clayton Asay (37) powers through the Jr Eagles offensive line to assist his teammates in their pursuit of the runner. The fourth, fifth, and sixth grade teams will face off against the Jr Knights this weekend.