Youth Football champs headed for national tourney

SCOTTSDALE - The undefeated Scottsdale Firebirds of the Central Arizona Youth Football League are headed to next month's national championship game in Orlando, Fla.

Scottsdale punched its ticket last Saturday by defeating the Tucson Wildcats 30-6 in the CAYFL regional championship game at Chaparral High School, improving its record to 11-0.

The Firebirds broke open what had been a scoreless game midway through the second quarter with a passing attack that culminated in four touchdown passes from quarterback Tyler Bruggman to receivers Paul Elvira and Jake Roh. Andrew Curtis, Connor Messman and Marche Dennard handled most of ground attack, combining for 100 yards on 15 carries.

The task now is to raise funds to help the Firebirds get to Orlando. The estimated cost for each player for the week (Dec. 8-13) is $1,200.

An account has been established, and donations are appreciated. For more information, contact team business manager Lisa Gallagher at 623-523-3258.

American Youth Football & Cheer is a national youth partner of the National Football League and is the world's largest youth football and cheer organization. This year's tournament will host the top youth football teams, together with the best step, dance and cheer squads from throughout the U.S.

More than 6,000 youth ages 5 to 16 will participate in this year's national tournament. The Firebirds will play at Austin-Tindall Regional Park in Kissimmee.

Sponsors for the event include Under Armor, Mike Ditka Resorts, Gatorade, Wilson and others. Several special events are planned for the players, including getting to meet NFL Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka and former NFL Pro Bowl player and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown, and attending a party at Universal Studios.

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