The West Valley midget football team reached the Pop Warner Super Bowl two years in a row and both times have fallen one win short of a national championship.

This year practically the same group of boys made up the team, but were still unable to achieve victory.

After going 7-1 in the regular season, the Falcons powered their way through four playoff games to qualify for the Super Bowl in Florida. All together 22 players and six coaches made the trip.

The Falcons faced the Manatee Mustangs in the Super Bowl. The Mustangs were 14-0 entering the game and had outscored their opponents 331-0.

The Falcons had a difficult time throwing the ball because of rain and could not mount an effective offense. The final score was 25-8 in favor of the Mustangs.

Already trailing 19-0, the Falcons finally put a score together when Kyle Miller connected with Dom Arbet on a 40-yard pass over the middle that Arbet broke away for the only touchdown the Mustangs allowed all season.

But the Mustangs answered back, scoring another touchdown and the Falcons were unable to reply.

"These boys did everything we asked of them," said coach Kim Johansen. "They gave it their all. I'm really proud of these kids for how they were on and off the field. They showed great drive and sportsmanship all week."

The first game in Florida saw the Falcons beating Bayou City 22-6.

Kyle Olugbode scored a touchdown on a 4-yard carry, while Miller connected with Chad Hammel for a 33-yard touchdown pass. Miller then hit Brandon Farley for a 24-yard pass to set up the third touchdown, where Miller scrambled and scored from three yards out.

Miller threw for 85-yards in the game and Olugbode ran for 70 yards. Will Sparks and Trevor Grayson combined for 40 yards rushing.

Prior to reaching Florida last year, no West Valley team had ever made it before and none of the final eight teams from last year returned to Florida to compete this year.

"I'm sure there are a lot of high school coaches who can't wait to get some of these kids," said Darren Arbet, father of Dom Arbet and head coach of the San Jose SaberCats. "A lot of these kids have great football instincts."