Merrimack Pee Wee Cardinals Wins 3rd in a Row

By Natalie Lelievre

The sun shone down on the Merrimack Cardinals Pee Wee football team once again as they played their third game of the 2012 season against the Southern NH Steelers. The Pee Wee’s first away game of the season, on Saturday, Sept. 15, began with the Cardinals receiving the kick. Merrimack’s offense pushed forward, while their defense held the Steelers back. Halfway through the first, an impressive throw by Ty Hicks found Jared Dyer in the end zone for the touchdown. Hicks kicked the ball straight through the post for the two point conversion. The Cardinal’s defense forced the Steelers to lose yards with pummeling tackles by Robert Defelice, Nathan Kennedy, Jacob Myers, Matt Smith and Brandon Myers.

With 35 seconds on the clock, Dyer ran in the second touchdown of the quarter. The attempted two point kick was no good, falling short.

The second quarter started with a domineering Cardinal defense; a pulverizing tackle by Brandon Myers, followed by crushing hits by Brad Russell, Smith and Brian Genet, peaking with Dennis Fisette sacking the Steeler’s quarterback. The Cardinals’ offense continued the assault on the Steelers. A great run by Jacob Myers put the Cardinals in scoring position. Brendan Parr made it through the line of Steelers for the touchdown. The run attempt for the additional point was close, but failed. The Steelers took back possession of the ball, but were denied advancement by the Cardinals with notable tackles by Dennis Fisette, Caden Shvanda and Smith. Merrimack advanced the ball with an amazing run by Terrell Hicks. With 1.7 seconds on the clock in the second, Jacob Myers ran the ball in for a touchdown. Jacob Myers carried the ball for the extra point. The Cardinals were up 27-0 at half time.

The second half began with a tremendous run by Jacob Myers. The two teams continued to battle for advancement. Five minutes into the quarter, Ryan Devanna ran the ball in for a touchdown. The run for the additional point was short. Kyle Leighton fought his way through the Steelers’ line and tackled their quarterback, the second sack of the game. The Cardinals’ defense continued moving the Steelers backwards. With less than a minute left in the quarter, Merrimack with possession of the ball, the Steelers came forth with a burst and took down the Cardinals’ quarterback.

The fourth quarter continued with both teams showing their power. Merrimack’s defense held strong with tackles by Matt Lindsey, Tristan Wood and Terrell Hicks. A late game sack of the Cardinals’ quarterback held the team back from a final scoring position. The final score was 33-0, a third win for Merrimack.