In an impressive run through the regular season, every Durango team in the Young America Football League made the playoffs this year.
Durango’s third- through sixth-grade teams all qualified for the postseason, as the second-grade players don’t have a postseason to play.
Still, the second-graders wrapped up their first season of contact football with a 40-0 demolition of Farmington to complete a special season in which they learned lessons of self-confidence, teamwork and friendship that will carry them forward.
The closest win of the week came at third-grade, where the Demons beat Bloomfield 6-0 with Cooper Mitchell leading the way with 63 rushing yards. Mitchell also had 12 tackles on defense, and Zane Pontine added six of his own.
The third-graders will begin their quest for the Super Bowl on Saturday, with the Super Bowls set to be played Oct. 22 in Farmington.
Durango’s fourth-grade team capped off an undefeated regular season in style with a 40-8 victory against Kirtland, with the defense allowing only six points. That defense was led by Elijah McGrady, Ryan Dugan, Michael Chavez, Cully Feeney, Cole Pontine and Cole Kusar.
The offense had its best game of the year with a big day on the ground and through the air. Feeney rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown, Pontine had 130 all-purpose yards to go with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving score, and Linkin Griego added 120 all-purpose yards with one passing touchdown and two rushing. Wyatt Bartel and Malakai Baier also played big parts in the receiving game.
Offensive-line play was outstanding, as Connor Jones, Tatum Kusar, Nick Lee, McGrady, Elijah Oyler and Braxton Waddell were dominant.
Despite the undefeated regular season, every team is back to 0-0 for the playoffs. After barely missing out on a championship last year, this group is three wins away from claiming it this season.
Durango’s sixth-grade stars made quick work of the Farmington BadCats with a 22-7 win. The defense collected two safeties, and Beau Brunson, Hunter Houle and Ethan Lennox all ran for touchdowns.
These Demons will host their playoffs, and the team hopes to play their games on the new turf field at Durango High School.
The fifth-grade team played a defensive game against Cortez to end the regular season. When the work in the trenches was over, Durango was on the losing side of a 7-6 game.
Jacob Roberts led the team with 42 rushing yards that included an 11-yard touchdown run. Tanner Anderson led the defense with seven tackles, while Julian Rodriguez and Ivan Silva each had five tackles.
Silva also added a fumble recovery. Zack Unruh also had five tackles and an interception.
The fifth-graders can get some redemption in the playoffs beginning Saturday.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
