The East County Youth Football Scouts worked hard all week and showed that they’ll be tough contenders in the Diablo Valley Youth Football Conference.

The Jr. Pee Wee division suffered a 25-15 loss to the Benicia Panthers, bringing their season record to 1-1. Coach Copeland and his staff expressed pride in the way the boys played hard to the end of the game.

The ECYFL Pee Wee division improved its record to 2-0 off a 34-0 thrashing of the Panthers. In two games the Lions have outscored their opponents 74-0. Ronnie Rivers jump-started the offense on the first play with a dazzling 40-yard scoring run. He also notched TDs on runs of 44 and six yards. The offensive onslaught continued as QB Abel Ordaz threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Bailey Coston down the right sideline, and Ronnie Rivers hit Ordaz up the middle for a 45-yard scoring strike. The offensive line of Devin Walden, Joseph Guaragna, Marcus Dawal, Harlan Rashada, Richie Kabasinskas and Christian Tatum dominated the line of scrimmage.

Defensively, the ferocious Lions recorded their second shutout in a row and dominated the Panthers all day long. The defense, spearheaded by Walden, Isaiah Gonzalez, Abel Page, Branden Macahilig, Michael Puckett and Aidan Rangel, has not allowed a single first down in two games.

The Jr. Midget division won its second game against a stubborn Benicia Panther squad. Demiere Wright carried for 45 yards and Jordan Suckow for 40. Both offenses mounted attacks only to be stopped in their tracks. The star was Jared Rodgers, who took a 40-yard interception for a touchdown. Other defensive stars were Dewey Martin, who made two interceptions; Issac Freytes, Niko Zanarini and Anthony Gripe. “This was by far a nail biter,” said Coach Camilli.

The East County Lions Midget team overwhelmed Benicia en route to a 53-0 victory. Dominick Warren rushed for three touchdowns. Dominic Espino, Quinten Sheppard and Adrian Bonilla each rushed for one behind devastating blocking from the offensive line of Jack Smith, Brandon Tatum, Adam Morris, Matt Sahagun, Zac Harris and Brandon Coston. Joe Sweeney completed the romp by firing a touchdown pass to Adrian Bonilla. The defense recorded its second straight shutout, led by Jesse Gregerson, Darrin Jackson and Wu Nelson.

The Lions return home Sept. 24 to face rival Antioch.

– Contributed by Ingrid Gregerson