Tucson Turf Elite 12U Chargers exhibited its grit once again in the 13-12 victory Sunday over the six-time defending champion Red Zone All Stars Falcons of Miami for the title at the NFL FLAG Championships at Canton, Ohio.
The Chargers went 8-0 in the competition, including thrilling one-point victories in their last three games, including twice on Sunday. Their first game in pool play was also a one-point triumph. Their other victory was by six points in the second round.
They defeated the THT Jets of Staten Island, N.Y., 22-21, in the semifinal round before outlasting the Falcons in the championship.
Tucson Turf Elite founder and coach Toby Bourguet posted this reaction on social media: “Oh, the stories we’ll tell!!! 8-0 at the biggest and best tourney in the game. 4 games won in dramatic fashion. We took down the BEST of the BEST. God is Great Always. THANKS to EVERYBODY involved, the kids, coaches, parents, and everybody pulling for us.”
Emeron Bourguet, Toby’s son, completed a touchdown pass to Trindon Brin to tie the game at 6 late in the first half.
After the Chargers trailed 12-6 at halftime, Logan Allen completed a touchdown pass to Emeron with almost 5 minutes left. The duo connected on a subsequent extra-point pass to give the Chargers their 13-12 lead.
The Falcons got the ball to the Chargers 2 before two straight false-start penalties caused a turnover on downs.
The Chargers tried to run out the clock with short running plays, but the Falcons got the ball on the 5 after a turnover on downs while time was ticking out. Another false start penalty ended the game.
The victory capped a successful weekend for the entire Tucson Turf Elite organization.
The 8U Cardinals, 10U Raiders, 12U Broncos Girls and the Chargers went a combined 19-4 from Thursday to Sunday.
The 8U Cardinals and 10U Raiders advanced to their respective quarterfinal rounds, and the Broncos went 3-0 in pool play before coming up short in their first bracket game.
