The Scottsdale Firebirds Red defeated the visiting Desert Highlands Wolfpack 27-0 Saturday at Chapparral High School in the opening round of the Phoenix AYF Pee Wee division playoffs.

The fourth-seeded Firebirds dominated the game on both sides of the ball against the 13th-seeded Wolfpack. Scottsdale was up 15-0 within three minutes, scoring on a 26-yard run by Brett Teller and, after a successful onside kick, a 45-yard sprint by Paxton Tatum.

Ryan Bright recovered a fumble for the Firebirds, forced by Rex Tessler, on the Wolfpack’s next drive. The Wolfpack defense was able to defend the Firebirds and forced a turnover on downs as the first quarter ended.

Jeffrey Kindorf knocked a third-down pass attempt, setting up the Firebirds to regain posession around their opponents’ 33-yard line. On the following play, Jordain Buckland recovered a fumble for the Wolfpack, giving his team a second opportunity on offense in scoring position.

The Firebirds again forced a turnover on downs, and managed to set themselves up on the 20-yard line. As the Birds looked to score late in the second quarter, Jacob Mounts intercepted a pass at the goal line, taking the ball 100 yards to the opposite endzone, but a blocking penalty invalidated the score. The Wolfpack attempted to capitalize on the excitement, but the first half expired as Carlo Davalos racked up a sack for the Firebirds.

The Firebirds scored again early in the third quarter after a six-play, 75-yard drive highlighted by a 35-yard run by Tatum, an 18-yard pass from Austin Nuessle to Chance Ikei, and a 20-yard touchdown run from Teller, his second on the day, increasing the Firebird lead 21-0.

Scottsdale’s final score came on a 2-yard dive from Tessler, set up by the previous play, a 47-yard run by Malique Sharp, led by superb blocking from Teller.