PeeWees

Pee Wees Close out Football Season

11/6/99 - The Arlington Eagle Pee Wee team completed their season on Saturday, taking a tough 21 -20 loss in a bowl game against the Papillion Chargers at Benson High School in Omaha. Papillion came into the contest with an undefeated record of 8 -0, easily putting themselves in the top spot of the Omaha league. Arlington, coming off their championship victory over Valley the previous week, knew that the game was going to be a battle. The game was going to be even tougher than expected, when offensive/defensive starting lineman, Douglas Hilzendeger, came down with the chickenpox the day before the game and was unable to play. His presence and intensity on the field was definitely missed.

The Eagles kicked off to open the game and the Chargers returned the ball to their own 41 yard line. Papillion then put together a sustained offensive drive unlike anything the Eagles have faced all year, finally moving to the Arlington 6 yard line before scoring on a reverse play

Arlington now had their first offensive chance of the game, taking the Charger kickoff to their own 41 yard line. Three plays later, the Eagles got on the scoreboard when quarterback Adam Hamre swept around the left side of the Arlington line and scored on a 50 yard play from scrimmage. Thomas Grove added the point after to tie the score 7 - 7.

Papillion took the following kickoff and a long pass play moved the Chargers to the Arlington 19 yard line before time ran out in the first quarter. The Eagle defense dug in forcing Papillion into a 4th and 1 situation ar the Eagle 9 yard line, but the Charger offense was able to punch the ball in for a touchdown. The Chargers kicked for the point after, adding 2 points to their score, 15 - 7.

Arlington took over again and was able to move to the Charger 42 yard line, but turned the ball over on downs. The Chargers and their powerful offense were able to move to the Arlington 20 yard line with :25 seconds remaining in the half, when defensive end, Beau Brown intercepted an errant Charger pass. Time in the half ran out with Papillion holding a slight advantage in the score.

Arlington received the kickoff to open the second half of the contest, starting at their own 21 yard line and moving up to their own 45 yard line. Tailback Thomas Grove then broke open and scored on a 55 yard run, breaking tackles and showing off his breakaway speed. The point after pass was no good and the Eagles moved to within 2 points of the Chargers, 15 - 13.

Papillion took the following kickoff and, putting together a very effective offensive drive moved, to the Arlington 10 yard line. The Chargers then scored on a reverse play, but were unable to add the point after. The score now stood at 21 - 13, with the Eagles having one more quarter to with which to work.

Arlington returned the kickoff to their own 45 yard line to open the forth quarter. Two plays later, quarterback Adam Hamre added his second touchdown of the day on a keeper play again around the left side of the Eagle offensive line. Grove added the point after to move within a point of the Chargers 21 - 20. The Arlington defense held on Papillion's next offensive series and gave the Eagles a chance to go for the victory.

Arlington started their final drive of the game from their own 45 yard line. Arlington got a first down at the Charger 42 yard line on a strong run by Grove with 2:17 remaining. The Papillion defense then solidified and forced the Eagles into a 4th down and 6 situation with 1:10 remaining. The next play couldn't get the necessary yardage for a first down, and Arlington turned the ball over on downs. The Chargers ran out the clock to secure their bowl victory.