It’s been a great fall for sports in the Malad Valley, and the 5th  and 6th grade Southeast Idaho Youth League football team can add its achievements to that tally.  After a tight contest that was locked up at 6-6 at the end of regulation time, the team went on to score on the very last play of the last drive in overtime to secure a berth to the upcoming championship game
next week.

According to team statistician Lacie Montgomery, the team has 11 out of the 18 kids that have never played football before, which is especially impressive given the skills on display on both sides of the ball. “They have pushed themselves and worked hard,” Lacie said, adding “the coaches are proud of how far these boys have come!”   The coaches themselves are Haydon Montgomery, Bill Ball, Zach Beutler, Clint Price, Mark Luke, Daniel Maloy.  In a statement, they expressed “We aren’t the biggest or the fastest but play the best together as a team. They have great sportsmanship and never give up. They are a fun group to coach.” 

The game was a defensive affair, with both the Dragons and the team from North Century (Pocatello) stopping drive after drive.  Cache Maroney was credited with both TDs in the game, the second coming at the end of the Dragons’ drive in overtime.  The Dragons had come within inches the play before on a great run, and the final push came on the fourth down in
thrilling fashion.  

If you haven’t been to a game starring these young powerhouses, you still have another chance.  The championship game is next week on 11/2 at 11:00 a.m at the ICCU Dome. The Dragons will play the #1 seed Aberdeen Tigers in what is sure to be an amazing game.  Plan a trip next weekend to support youth football, and the future of Malad sports!

The team includes: Cache Maroney, Devin Ball, Payson Price, Isaac Bird, KAshtin Meadows, Declan Summers, Bentley Maddox, Colt Price, Dakota Toone, Saunder Poulson, Rustin Montgomery, Dax Beutler, Aidyn Weber, Riggin Reeder, Macoy Luke, Jaxon Maloy, Keith Hamilton, Kayman Nimer, and Weston Armstrong.