5^th Grade White Team Eradicates Van Buren:

Saturday October 11th, the 5^th Grade Greenwood White Pittbulls hosted Van Buren Green at Smith Robinson Stadium. Coach Shawn Shaffer had the Pittbulls prepared for victory over the final Van Buren opponent. 

 The 5^th grade White Pittbulls have established a history of dominance on the gridiron with gut wrenching tackles, downhill running and a superb passing game.  The Pittbulls are not perfect as they fumbled on their opening drive, setting up Van Buren with a short field, allowing them to score 6 points.  The PAT was stopped at the 3-yard line by Brian Pullen.  Having some trouble starting the offensive engine, the Pittbulls punt their second possession.  The Pittbull defense came up with a huge stop on 4^th and 6 deep in Van Buren territory.  Andrew McGill takes the ball and rushes down to the 12-yard line.  The rush ended in a fumble and Van Buren recovered, however, Van Buren was unable to capitalize on the turnover.  In the 2^nd quarter, #14 Noah Basham hooked up with Ryan Padilla for a 29-yard touchdown pass.  The PAT fell just short of the goal post, leaving the score tied at 6.  The Pittbulls take over at mid-field with 1:30 left in the first half.  The Pittbulls march down the field, flawlessly executing plays all the way.  After a late hit out of bounds by Van Buren, #21 Quinton Marrone barrels his was way up the middle for a touchdown.  The PAT was scored by Alex Elmore making the score 14 – 6, Pittbulls.

The Pittbulls open their second half with a combination of rushing and passing gains. Andrew McGill ran for a 28-yard first down gain, setting up an 11-yard passing touchdown when Noah Basham hooked up with Ryan Padilla.  Again, Alex Elmore’s PAT is successful, making the score 22 – 6, Pittbulls.  Not to be out done Van Buren returns the kickoff for a touchdown, however Quinton Marrone and Travis Freeman stop Van Buren on their PAT.  On the next possession, the Pittbulls march down to the 32-yard line, but are backed up to mid field by Van Buren.  Late in the 4th quarter, Van Buren completes a long, beautiful pass only to be run down by Mason Archer and Ryan Padilla.  On the very next play, deep in Pittbull territory, with a score by Van Buren eminent, Ryan Padilla takes away any potential of a momentum shift, making a huge defensive play.  He jumps in front of the Van Buren receiver, intercepts the ball and runs it back far a 77-yard touchdown; leaving the final score 28-12, Pittbulls win. The defense was led by Quinton Marrone with 11 tackles, followed closely by Brian Pullen, Travis Freeman, and Zac Childress with 9 tackles each.  The offense was led by Ryan Padilla with 144 yards receiving and rushing.

Defensive players of the week are Travis Freeman and Zac Childress. Offensive players of the week are Alex Elmore and Mason Archer.

The coaching staff is to be commended for the preparation of 10 and 11 year olds with the abilities to run the football, spread the offense, and complete some astonishing big yard gains through the air.  But that’s just the offense; the defense has shut out several opponents.  These are kids, learning the game and most importantly having fun and with the Pittbulls commitment to community service, our kids under the coach’s direction are learning how to respect themselves, each other, and their community. 

Defensive players of the week are:

 Travis Freeman and Zac Childress

Offensive players of the week are:

 Alex Elmore and Mason Archer