Great defense and power running gave the fifth-seeded Scottsdale Firebirds Red a 14-8 victory Saturday over the previously undefeated and top-seeded Southeast Valley Bulldogs in the CAYFL Pee Wee division semifinals at Desert Vista High School.

“This was one of the most difficult games we’ve played,” Firebirds head coach Scott Ruby said. “When two good teams play each other, there are two or three plays that can change the game, and those two or three plays went for us today.”

Capitalizing on a costly turnover on a punt in the fourth quarter, the Firebirds were able to march down the field and score the winning touchdown.

An apparent touchdown for Bulldogs in the first quarter was nullified by a holding penalty, which then stalled the Bulldogs drive. Both defenses were clicking as the first quarter ended 0-0.

A big running gain from Firebirds running back Keville Matonis and a 15-yard penalty help set up a 48-yard rushing touchdown from running back Will Atsaves, giving the game its first touchdown and the Firebirds the lead. A two-point kick made it 8-0.

The Bulldogs offense could not get into their groove as the Firebirds defense forced continuous turnover on downs. Neither team could make the most out of their remaining possessions for the half, as the teams headed into halftime with the Firebirds leading 8-0.

Defense remained an issue in the second half as well with both teams going fourth and out on their opening drives.

A run up the middle that was set up by good blocking opened a hole for Bulldogs running back Blake Monty as he rushed up the middle and outran Firebirds defenders for the touchdown. A two-point kick tied the game at 8-8.

The Bulldogs fumbled a punt to start the fourth quarter, giving the Firebirds the ball inside Bulldog territory. The Firebirds were able to take advantage of the turnover by pounding the ball down the field with strong runs up the middle. A fourth-and-goal conversion by the Firebirds set up a rushing touchdown by running back Kody Scott, giving the Firebirds a 14-8 lead late in the fourth quarter.

The Firebirds defense was able to maintain their tough, physical play by holding off the Bulldogs offense for the remainder of the game, sealing the victory.

“We talked all week about leaving everything on the field and we did today,” Bulldogs head coach Robert Riethmann said. “We played our hearts out and somehow the game got away from us.”