The Maricopa Juggernauts were crushed by the Scottsdale Firebirds, losing the Arizona Youth Football League 12U championship, but team's coaches said they went farther this season than anytime in Juggernaut history.
The Firebirds defeated the Juggernauts 46-6 on Saturday to secure the Division 1 championship at Lajoya High School's field.
"I've been around football for a long time, and I've never seen a group come together like this one," Juggernauts head coach Ronald "Gee" Gordon said. "They rise to every occasion, and their heart and resilience are unmatched. Everyone contributes for the glory of the team, not individual recognition. It's an honor to coach them."
Competing in the highest bracket of the Arizona YFL, the Juggernauts entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed and faced the undefeated Chandler Lobos the No. 1 seed. In a thrilling 27-24 upset, our team showcased heart and resilience, defying expectations.
The Juggernauts finished the season with a 5-2 record and were ranked No. 8 out of 37 teams.
In the semifinals against the Liberty Lions, the Juggernauts found themselves down by 14 points with just four minutes left in the game. Once again, they rallied, proving their grit with a hard-fought victory over the #5 seed.
Coach Gerald Campbell, offensive coordinator and organization president, reflected on the season: "This team has surpassed every challenge given to them. We're not the biggest, but what we lack in size, we make up for in heart. Our motto is 'One Team, One Dream,' and these boys live by it every day."
The coaches said the team's success is a testament to the dedication of our players, the commitment of our coaching staff, and "the unwavering support of parents and the Maricopa community."
They also credited Juggernauts cheerleaders and their coaches Ashley Wallace and Ashley Englert "for keeping the energy high throughout the season and preparing an exciting halftime showcase for the championship game."
The Maricopa Pumas also made the D1 championships and were seeded No. 7, but lost in the first round against the Scottsdale Firebirds.
The 11U team also made it to the playoffs. They were D2 and lost in the semifinals against the O'Connor Jr. Eagles.