One big play, a successful conversion kick and a smothering defense lifted the Chandler Wolves past the Oak Grove (California) Rattlers 8-6 Tuesday in the second round of the AYF Jr. Pee Wee National Championships in Orlando.

(More photos, click here).

Following a hard-fought 0-0 first half, the Rattlers took the opening kickoff after intermission and drove 51 yards in 13 plays, capped by a 2-yard quarterback sneak for the game's first score. The conversion kick was no good, however, leaving the Californians up 6-0 but vulnerable.

On the first play after the ensuing kickoff, Cito Hemphill-Toledo took the handoff, started up the middle, broke outside the left end and out-ran the Oak Grove defense for a 62-yard, game-tying touchdown. Connor Nason drilled the conversion kick that turned out to be the game-winner.

The Wolves, losers of their first-round game Sunday, were tenacious on defense the rest of the way to preserve the 8-6 lead.

Oak Grove faced a fourth and 18 early in the fourth quarter after Mikey Kelly broke into the Rattlers' backfield and smothered the ballcarrier for a 7-yard loss.

The Californians gained a first down on a 31-yard pass into the right flat down to the Wolves' 15. They lost 22 yards in four plays, however, 13 of them when Jeremy Mercier blew up a running play in the backfield.

The Rattlers got the ball back at their own 46 with 3:35 remaining following a Chandler punt. They gained 15 yards on three plays, but Cutter Hatch stormed through the line on second and 6 and dropped the Rattlers' runner for a 5-yard loss.

Two plays later, Jared Patchatt led a host of Wolves on a quarterback sack. Hatch then grabbed an interception with nine seconds left to seal the victory.

The Wolves took a knee, ending the game and advancing to the third-place game Thursday.