A team of third graders from Escalon captured a championship over the weekend.

Varsity head football coach Andrew Beam has stayed busy coaching the squad, known as The Gators, and they competed this season in the Downey Next Level Flag Football League.

“Our boys qualified for the playoffs tied for the number one seed,” said Beam. “Last week we beat the number four seed Washington Huskies. This week in a match up for the championship, we played the Trojans, who we had tied during the regular season.”

Beam said the Gators started the game strong and had a 6-0 halftime lead.

“Frankie Silva had our first touchdown on a 30-yard run,” Beam said. “In the second half we got two big touchdowns to make it 20-0.”

First was a touchdown pass from Reed Brayton to Kent Cheary, with Giancarlo Largent catching the point after conversion from Brayton.

Then, after a long 39-yard run from Jace Brooks, Benny Beam found Largent for the one-yard touchdown pass and catch. Cheary caught the point after conversion pass from Beam to make it 20-0.

The Trojans battled back with a quick score to cut the lead to 20-8. But the Gators defense then stepped it up.

“The Trojans had the ball on the Gators’ goal line with five minutes left and Gunner Engstrand made a great interception in the end zone to preserve the lead,” Beam explained.

There was great defense all throughout the game from the Gators, added the coach.

“Braxtyn Raposa, Grady Johnson, and Hunter Walker made some outstanding defensive plays to keep the score at 20-8 as the time began to run out in the second half,” said Beam. “As the seconds ticked off, the Gators, and future Cougars of Escalon High began to celebrate. They were awarded championship rings in the winners ceremony.”

Team members for the Gators are Benny Beam, Reed Brayton, Jace Brooks, Kent Cheary, Gunner Engstrand, Grady Johnson, Giancarlo Largent, Braxtyn Raposa, Frank Silva and Hunter Walker.