The East County Youth Football Scouts team slid by rival Antioch on the strength of its defense this weekend.

The offense helped, too. Cody Muth took the handoff on the second play of the game and galloped for a 60-yard touchdown. That was all the Scouts defense would need. It shut out Antioch, allowing less than 50 yards of total offense.

The defensive onslaught began with an interception by Cody Muth and continued with fumble recoveries by Jon Puckett, Eric Bergen and Riley McCullough. Big-time tackles for losses were recorded by Bryant Weekly, Dylan Ray, Jaden Rashada and De Niro Killian. Offensively, the scouts finished the final series with a quick pass from Mason Brandy to Glenn Borlongan for 26 yards.

The Jr. Pee Wee Lions held their own in an 8-6 victory over the Antioch Bobcats, the winning extra point kicked by Cole Gregerson, who also led the Lions’ defense. Devyn Douglas, Hunter Karbowski and Justin Bergen put a stop to Antioch’s offense, holding it to only six points. The victory gave the Jr. Pee Wees a 2-1 record.

The Pee Wee Lions faced their toughest opponents yet, an undefeated Antioch team that hadn’t allowed a single point this season. The Lions completely dominated Antioch on both sides of the ball, winning 24-0. The story of the game, however, was the Lions’ D, which mauled the Antioch team all game long, allowing a scant two first downs the entire game and posting the Pee Wee’s third shutout in a row.

The Pee Wee Lions were led on defense by linebackers Joseph Guaragna, Cole Zanarini, Harlan Rashada (two sacks) and Travis Baxter (fumble recovery). Defensive backs Devan Lance (interception), Michael Tapia and Ronnie Rivers knocked down a slew of passes. In three games this season, the Pee Wee Lions have outscored their opponents 98-0.

The East County Jr. Midgets roared to their third victory, beating a solid Antioch Cougar team 20-6. Demiere Wright ran for 70 yards and Jordan Suckow for 45. Brody Garner threw for two touchdown passes – one to Jared Rodgers for 25 yards, the second to Issac Freytes. On defense, the game breaker was Emiliano Diaz’s interception for a 10-yard touchdown. Stars on defense were Anthony Gripe, Julian Martin, Jeremy Fourner, Ryan Mucher and Niko Zanarini.

The East County Lions Midget Team got a wakeup call, losing to rival Antioch 20-8. Spencer Rohrer set up the Lions’ lone touchdown on a 40-yard run sprung by blocks from Jack Smith and Chris Vanderklugt. Rohrer finished off the drive by catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Joe Sweeney.

This was the second game in a row that Sweeney and Rohrer have hooked up on a touchdown. Dominick Warren and Dominic Espino moved the ball on the ground but were unable to find the end zone. Kapono Carreira led the defense with a key interception.

“Our games against Antioch are always hard fought,” said Coach Dave Smith. “We got them last year and they were ready. I’m proud of our guys; they kept playing hard all day. Antioch is a good team and we expect to meet them again this year.”

The Lions take to the road Saturday to face the San Leandro Crusaders.

– Contributed by Ingrid Gregerson