Top-ranked Torrey Pines Mighty Falcons win Flag Fest
The undefeated TPPW Mighty Falcons, lead by head coach Ryan Patterson, lined up last Saturday against the undefeated Rancho Penasquitos Sun Devils, under the lights at Westview High School. In their championship game, both teams gave it their all, and after an exciting exchange of action, the Torrey Pines Mighty Falcons won 25 to 13.
“We are extremely proud of Coach Patterson, his staff and the Mighty Falcons flag football players,” said Tonya Montes, President of TPPW. “It’s exciting for a first time head coach to be the #1 seed out of 36 teams going into Flag Fest, and Torrey Pines Pop Warner is thrilled for his team, and their big win on Saturday!“
The Sun Devils had the ball first, failed to score, and punted to the Falcons. Torrey Pines scored on their first possession on a long run by Cooper Whitton from the quarterback position. The pass for the extra point failed, and Torrey Pines led 6-0. RP came roaring back with a long touchdown run of their own and a successful extra point try to lead 7-6.
After failing to score on their next possession, Torrey Pines stopped the Sun Devils and took possession on their own 20 yard line. The Falcons would score two more times to take an 18-7 lead behind long runs by Will Morgans, Cooper Whitton, Charlie Mirer, and Zachary Rowell.
The Sun Devils would score a second touchdown to close the gap to 18-13 before a late touchdown by the Falcons put the game out of reach at 25-13.
Cooper Whitton wowed the crowed and ran the ball in to score ALL four exciting touch downs, with Charlie Mirer scoring an extra point after the fourth touchdown, on a run from the quarterback position.
The Mighty Falcons defense had key plays that halted the efforts of the RP offense. Jake Vargas, had two great flag pulls, and Rhett LaRocca answered with two amazing sacks. Will Morgans stepped it up with a crucial fourth down conversion, and Charlie Mirer had a key conversion helping to bring the Falcons back into the lead.
When asked about his undefeated season, Coach Patterson said, “We set out to make sure everyone on our team learned the game and played their best. I think we did it. I could not be prouder of what these boys accomplished this season. Go Mighty Falcons!”
Assistant Coach, Guy Hagen added, “Coach Patterson has a gift. He has the knack to bring out the best in his team. These little guys are just six to eight years old, with short attention spans, and his patience is extraordinary. He always drops to one knee when speaking to his players. Things like thinking to connect eye to eye “at their level” with his team, is what makes them feel important, which translates into admiration for their coach, which leads to confidence. I could not have asked for a better mentor for my son Chad.”
Bill Butler, grandfather of Cooper Whitton, has been on the sidelines for many Torrey Pines games and practices, with four grandsons, Cooper, Champion, Connor and Chase Whitton all playing for TPPW. Bill said, “I thought the coaching staff did a great time putting the players in the right positions. They also did well using Charlie Mirer’s speed and good hands, building the defense to where all the players were a threat to get a flag on every play, being courteous and cooperative with other team’s coaches, creating an atmosphere of having fun while playing to win and developing the talents of all the players, and giving several players the opportunity to be the QB, a running back, or a pass receiver. Being ranked #1 was awesome and a nice reward for an undefeated team that never tried to run up the score.”
After their big win on Saturday, 7- year-old, Liam Patterson, was asked how it felt to have such a great season. He answered with a big grin, “It feels like I’m a winner!” The Palomar Conference is comprised of 17 associations, including Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, La Costa Canyon, Murrietta, Oceanside, Poway Ramona, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, San Marcos, Scripps Ranch, Temecula, Torrey Pines, Valley Center, Vista and Wildomar.
For more information and 2012 registration information, visit
.