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Mighty Mites

The Yreka Chargers Mighty Mites knew this last weekend’s game against Orland would be a big challenge, and a challenge it was. While there were no extraordinary plays to mention, the Yreka Charger Mighty Mites held their own against their fierce competitors.

Makayla ten Berge had a few good tackles and gained her team positive yardage when running the ball. Offensively, the Yreka Charger Mighty Mites struggled from one quarter to the next. Defensively, the Yreka Charger Mighty Mites put everything they had on the field giving the Orland team something to fight for. The Charger defensive line of Skylar Conrad, Wesley Ward, Randall Hughes, Jai Case, Jake Peterson, Travis Hedin, Antonio Fernandez, Brayden Mauch and Travis Arwood were in full force. 

Jr. Pee Wees

Last Saturday, the Yreka Charger Jr. Pee Wees went to Orland and took on the Aztecs. Charger Jr. Pee Wees started off slow and allowed the Aztecs to score first.  Then, as in games past, the Yreka Chargers stepped up and kept the Aztecs out of the endzone the rest of the game. This was due in large part to defensive end Dalton Lester making some great tackles in the backfield. Robert Giannini also had an interception and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.  The Charger defense, as a team, stuffed the running game, making a statement.

On Offense, Jeremy Persing had a 60-yard touchdown run which was made possible by a huge hole created by offensive linemen Jared Weiser, Anthony Sendejo and Payton Charlesworth. Persing also added a 7-yard touchdown run. Tyraye Bush continued his great running and scored on a 50-yard touchdown run. This was our first league game and we started off the right way, with a win. Our regular season record is 1-0.

Pee Wee

In a losing effort, the Yreka Charger Pee Wees struggled against the Orland Aztecs at Trojan Stadium in Orland last Saturday.  With the Chargers not performing at their best, the Aztecs got off to a better start and took an early lead.

In the first and second quarters, the Charger linebackers used solid tackling, the defensive backs stood strong, and the entire defense tried hard to contain the speedy Aztec offense, to no avail.  On offense, the Pee Wees struggled against the weight of the Orland defense and were not able to move the ball much.  Yreka had some good moves on both sides of the ball, going close on numerous occasions, but with no points to show. The half ended at 13-0.

The second half was much the same and with the Chargers still playing well below par, the Aztecs held firm and came up with the win.
Charger Highlights from Saturday: Spearheading the defense was workhorse Evan Shinar who was all over the field and, it seemed, in many places at once.  In a great joint effort, Juan Cota forced the fumble with a defensive strip allowing a speedy recovery by Christian Martinez.  The defensive stops also included excellent tackles by Blake Batchelor, Tyler O’Gorman and Charles Lopez.  Lane Clark and Chase McDonald each had multiple tackles.  The indestructible Connor Lawe had a stinging solo tackle, stalling the score for the Aztecs.  Steamroller David Ruiz had a crushing tackle that would have made any mom proud.

On offense, Patrick Bigelow showed mind over matter, pushing forward and refusing to let the pace of the game stop his determination.  Parker Sanders, while still an offensive standout, was gridlocked by the Aztec defense all day.  Josh Hansen, McDonald and Batchelor all had great pass receptions.
Final Score: 25-0, Aztecs

Jr. Midgets

The Charger Jr Midgets offense put up good numbers in the first half, scoring two touchdowns on long runs by the running backs. The Chargers led most of the game with a half time score of 14-13.

With numerous Charger game injuries and searing heat in the second half, the Orland Aztec’s put together a long drive late in the third quarter resulting in the game winning touchdown.

The Charger Jr. Midget team played well but lost with a final score of 21-14. Charger Jr Midgets record is now 0-1 in league and they look forward to this week’s home game against Anderson Jr. Cubs.

Midgets
The Yreka Chargers Midgets traveled to Orland to open league play and came away with a 22-14 victory. Kaden Culp scored first for Yreka after a nice completed pass from Culp to Gabe Durney brought the Chargers close. Orland answered right back, returning the kick off for a score.

Both teams battled back and forth to round out the first half. Yreka’s O-line consisting of Ron Watson, Reno Pitts, Aaron Jacobsen, Jimmy Hausauer and Will Pipkin then took over and led the chargers on a long drive. Casey “the Goose” Gusaas and Jacob Maphet both proved to be workhorses in the charger backfield. Michael Schuler finished the drive with a nice run. Andrew Andreas converted his second PAT for a 16-6 charger lead.

The Chargers then stepped it up defensively, limiting the Aztecs to one lone pass for a score. Goose and Maphet led the way with several hard hits. Michael Lawe played a solid corner and Brett “the B Man” Todd, Kyle “Noodles” Ramociotti filled in nicely. P.J. Lewis was flying around all day long along with Isaac “the Warrior” McCloud.

The Yreka Chargers Midgets secured the victory with a well executed time consuming drive using nearly eight minutes the fourth quarter. According to Head Coach Todd Hedin, the Chargers pulled together as a unit, utilizing discipline and minimizing penalties for their first win.

Come out and watch the Yreka Chargers take on the Anderson Jr. Cubs in a home game at Miner Stadium.  Games start Saturday at 8:45 am and go all day until approximately 6 pm.  Food and Merchandise will be available.