The Mesa Soldiers (5-1-1) triumphed over the Gilbert Dawgs Black (2-5) 20-6 Saturday at Highland Junior High in the last week of the CAYFL regular season.

After a sluggish first half, the Soldiers picked up momentum with the help of Lewis Huyter.

“He played like an animal,” said A.C. Cordova, the Soldiers’ head coach. “He went in for tackles that really opened up holes for us to make all of our touchdowns.”

The Soldiers had a total of 197 rushing yards on 33 rushing plays. Isaiah Tucker had 44 rushing yards and Michael Anthony 43.

The kicking game was strong for the Soldiers. Frankie Alvarado had a successful onside kick to start the second half. Isaiah Cordova kicked a two-point TD conversion in the second half.

The Soldiers wanted to end their season on a high note, coach Cordova said.

“This is our last game prior to the playoffs. Our effort and intensity really showed,” he said.

Cordova was optimistic about his team’s prospects in the playoffs.

“Everybody has the same shot at winning as we do,” he said.

Cadet Dawgs Silver 25, Broncos Blue 0

Gilbert (6-1) ended the Cadet season with a shutout of Poston Butte at Highland Jr. High School.

Dawgs’ defensive coach Ronnie Smith said he was proud of his team’s efforts all season, especially because Gilbert had so many beginning players

“We have our stuff to work on since this is the first year for many players, but we’ve done all right,” Smith said.

Coleman Owen scored two rushing TDs. Clay Smith returned an interception 80 yards for a score.

Pee Wee Panthers 13, Stars 0

South East (1-6) claimed its first win of the season, beating Phoenix at Central High.

“Execution, no mistakes, that’s what led to our victory,”coach Tony Molina said. “It’s been a long season against these other teams in the league.”

Quarterback, James Reynosa had two TD passes, one to AJ Molina and another to Jesse Oats. Oats also had a interception and an extra point.

Pee Wee Cougars 32, Destroyers 0

Chandler (7-0) ended a perfect season with a win over South East Valley at Pecos Park.

This was the first full game where the Cougars were able to show off their skills, coach Ray Lewis said.

“Our philosophy is to try and get a little better each time,” Lewis said. “We always look to improve on the little things that translate to better football in the end.”

Lewis noted the work of Riley O’Brien, who had “phenomenal” defense with an interception. Kyler Burke was also another breakout player with four touchdowns.

“We’ve been fortunate to have good leaders and good chemistry amongst the players,” Lewis said.

Pee Wee Outlaws 54, Cardinals 0

Mesa (4-2-1) blanked Gila River at Brimhall Jr. High School.

Coach Rob Manning said this week’s game was a good opportunity for players who had not yet played to show off their skills.

John Roman, for example, scored on a 30-yard run, his first of the season. Other players who had noteworthy performances were Kyle Van Haren, Isaac Harper, Bobby Manning and Zach Pamming, according to coach Manning.

“The team is starting to come together,” Manning said.

Pee Wee Stampede 26, Wolfpack 7

Laveen (6-1) crushed Desert Highlands (2-4-1) at Boulder Creek High School.

“This was the first time the team played an aggressive game,” coach Milton Ellis said.

Throughout this season, Ellis has said he has tried to reshape the perception of theLaveen youth football league from what he calls “losers to winners.”

“They stuck together, bonded more and fought harder as a group,” he said.

Francisco Dominguez had an interception and ran for about 80 yards. Ellis called Dominguez’s interception the “breaking point” in the game.

The teams were tied 7-7 at halftime. Dominguez then led a series of three consecutive touchdowns.

Pee Wee Crushers 36, Stealth 0

The Crushers won the all-Chandler contest at Tumbleweed Park.

Coach Troy Hickel said the game came down to each team’s defensive line.

Hunter Rison returned an interception for a TD for the Crushers. Jerick Caldwell had a rushing TD and Jeremiah Calliors had two.

Pee Wee Firebirds Gold 42, Utes 7

Scottsdale (5-2) routed Cave Creek/Carefree Utes (3-4) at Chaparral High School.

“We ran on all cylinders today,” coach Bruce Johnson.

Johnson cited Nick O’Brian, Jake Welsheimer and Kyle Berry for theiur play on defense.

Pee Wee Dawgs Silver 26, Trojans 0

Gilbert blaned South East Valley at Pecos Park.

Coach Greg Mills said there are often times “ugly wins” in sports and this game was one of them. He said his team was slowed by penalties in the victory.

Quarterback, Brandon Schmitz led the team from the beginning with poise, Mills said. Isaiah Williams, who’s played several positions this season, is feeling at home being a running back. Braden Valentine also made an impressive showing, the coach said.