Oro Valley Dolphins standout Nate Campa tries to avoid a tackle from Tyler Lesniak. (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)from

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The Tucson Youth Football and Spirit Federation season began on Saturday morning with games played all over the city from various high schools including, Cienega, Flowing Wells, Amphitheater, Catalina, Sunnyside and Walden Grove.

Our initial Game of the Week features the Cowboys and Dolphins from the 10U Division, played at Amphitheater High School. The final score was a bit lopsided with the Dolphins coming away with a 39-0 victory but the name of the game is experience and competition at this age level in a safe environment.

The Dolphins took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 38-yard run from Pierce Hagele and then Xavien Merriman took one in from 4-yards out and Mikel “MJ” Buckner ripped off a 38-yarder of his own to make 20-0 at the half.

Only nine, Buckner finished the game with 56 yards rushing with two touchdown runs and he earned another TD with his arm, a 33-yard throw to Nate Campa.

“It’s confidence,” Buckner said. “I Just look forward to what’s happening and I don’t look back.”

Garner Abrams added a 39-yd score and Buckner’s second TD run was from 23 yards out. Hampered by field position, the Cowboys had difficulty moving the ball but Beau Duke and Sebastian Blakeman combined for 30 yards rushing.

Thanks to a generous sponsorship from the Tucson Conquistadores, all photos this year will be free to download. It’s difficult to get every player but feel free to download and share.

Beau Duke breaks free. (Andy Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)

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Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA as the top high school reporter in 2014 and he was awarded the Ray McNally Award in 2017 and he has been a youth, high school and college coach for over 30 years. His own children have won multiple state high school championships and were named to all-state teams. Competing in hockey, basketball, baseball and track & field in high school, his unique perspective can only be found here and on AZPreps365.com. Andy is the Southern Arizona voting member of the Ed Doherty Award, recognizing the top football player in Arizona, and he was named a Local Hero by the Tucson Weekly for 2016. Contact Andy Morales at AMoralesMyTucson@yahoo.com