The Scottsdale Firebirds lost a fumble late in the game Saturday and with it the state Pee Wee title.The Tucson Wildcats (11-1) hung on for a 22-16 victory at Tucson High School in the AYF state championships.

Despite the loss, the Firebirds (10-2) will be going to Florida in two weeks to play in the AYF national championships.

The Firebirds looked like they were driving for the go-ahead score in fourth quarter when they fumbled the ball on the Tucson 15.

“That was big for us,’’ Wildcats coach Jasic Walker said. “I’m not sure who recovered it for us. I wish I knew.”

The Firebirds got the ball back again but were not able to threaten.

The Wildcats scored the winning touchdown on the opening drive of the second half. Starting at their 45, the Wildcats needed eight play to score behind the running of Derrick Hall and Omar Lloyd. Hall went 30 yards for the score. Lloyd kicked the conversion to make it 22-16.

The Firebirds led 16-14 at the half after a touchdown run by Brandon Matonis and Ryan Coleman’s kick.

“They’re a good team,” Firebirds head coach Scott Ruby said of the Wildcats.