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The "Bearable Towels” were once again in full force this season, as the 2011 Union Finley Midget Football Association continued its winning tradition, as all four teams once again were either crowned as division champion or conference runner up.
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The Bears running against Ringgold in an
early season game
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The Tiny Mite Bears Flag Team, (5 - 7 year olds), finished the season as their conference champions. The 2011 Tiny Mites had a very special season, finishing the regular season with a 7 - 1 record. The Bears stingy defense was the league’s best surrendering only 2 points in the regular season, while the offense finished as the league’s 3rd best. The Bears continued their success through two rounds of playoffs, and squared up against the Rostraver Leopards for the championship game. The Bears fell 6 - 0 in a very defensive battle against the league’s top-ranked offensive team.
The Termite Bears (8 - 9 year olds) competed in a very competitive conference this year and managed to complete the regular season as the conference runner up. Although they finished 2nd in their conference, the Termites were unable to secure a seed for the post-season rounds, based on the competiveness of the division this season. Based on returning players, as well as those moving up from the Tiny Mite team, next season looks to be very promising for the Termites.
The Mighty Mites (10 - 11 year olds) captured the conference runner up trophy, finishing the regular season with a record of 5 - 3. By doing so, they earned a 6th seed in the playoffs. The Bears came up short in their quest to move on the 2nd round of the playoffs with a hard fought loss the #3 seeded Rostraver Leopards. The 2012 season looks to be another successful season for the Bears based on returning talent and those players moving up from the Termite squad.
The Midgets (12 - 13 year olds), completed the regular season by capturing the conference runner up spot as well, also securing a 6th seed in the playoffs. Their season ended following a very competitively played game against the Brownsville Falcons. The outlook for 2012 is very bright for this team next year based on the returning players’ playoff experience they have gained throughout the years as Bears.
The success of the 2011 season is directly attributed to dedication and hard working players, as well as the outstanding support that each team received from their cheerleading squads, family members, coaching staffs, and the multitude of parent volunteers who worked diligently each week to aid in a successful and fun season. Union Finley would also like to thank all of the corporate sponsors for their generosity and support during this very exciting season.
Union Finley has been successfully competing in the Mon Valley Midget Football League for 38 years. This program has been and continues to be a successful feeder program for the surrounding school districts that the players from Union Finley represent. Many graduates of this program have gone on to be members of WPIAL and state championship teams for their school districts.
Registration is open to all boys and girls in the Finleyville, South Park, Monongahela, Bethel Park, Peters Township and Nottingham Township communities for Tiny Mite (flag, 5 - 7 year olds), Termites, (8 - 9 year olds), Mighty Mites (10 - 11 year olds), and Midgets (12 - 13 year olds) for both football and cheerleading. The league provides all equipment and uniforms. Keep an eye out for advertisements for the 2012 season registration dates in future editions of this publication. Please feel free to contact League President and South Park Resident Jody Stewart at 724-348-4935 if you have any questions.
Click on "Gallery" for more "Bears" football photos by Paul Chasko
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