Twisters exceed expectations in first year

They might not have won the game, but smiles and laughter still filled the sixth-grade Twister sideline Saturday after falling to the Hurricanes at Youth Sports Inc. The first year Twisters were a unique team that exceeded the expectations of most in Lawrence Youth Football with the success they experienced against other established teams in the league.

The Twisters struggled to get set offensively as the Hurricanes used their powerful running game and tenacious defense to bounce the Twisters out of the Toy Bowl.

Expecting a shootout, the Twister offense put the ball in the hands of quarterback Daniel Clausing. Despite the overwhelming Hurricane defense, Clausing stood poised in the pocket, displaying his powerful arm by zipping the ball to wideouts Marcus Sanders and Trey Vanahill.

With the run-stuffing defense of the Hurricanes, the Twisters were forced to put the ball in the air. Clausing connected with Sanders and Vanahill on several quick slants and even incorporated the hook-and-ladder for a 20-yard gain.

Looking to switch things up, the Twisters put Tyler Jefferson under center midway through the second quarter. Despite being the tailback, Jefferson rifled the ball to Sanders for a 45-yard gain in hopes of jump-starting the offense.

Defensively, the Twisters showcased a powerful run-stuffing defense. Defensive linemen Kyle Hill, Davaughn Pellis and Brad Wilson worked together to slow the powerful Hurricane running game.

The Twisters take a job in preparation for their first-ever appearance in the playoffs, where they took on the Hurricanes on Saturday at Youth Sports Inc.

The Twisters also featured a couple of hard-hitting corners, Steve Allen and Tyler Jefferson, who were not afraid to throw their bodies at the runner. Looking to stop the Hurricanes on third and 10, the Twisters sent Jefferson on a corner blitz, and he came up with a magnificent open-field tackle, forcing the Hurricanes to punt.

Unfortunately for the Twisters, the running attack of the Hurricanes wore down the defense and secured the win. Despite the loss, Twister head coach Roger Ross was extremely proud of his team’s effort.

“They never gave up on me,” Ross said. I asked them to keep fighting and they did.”

Being a first-year team, the Twisters were not expected to be major players in postseason play. However, the members of the coaching staff were able to get the players to buy into their ideas and improve them as the season went along.

“They learned a lot this year,” Ross said. “We weren’t nearly this good after the first week. These kids worked really hard and they deserved to be here.”

Fortunately for the players and parents, the Twisters will continue to thrive with their superb coaching staff that promises to be a player next year in the Toy Bowl.