Dance in the Desert Tournament – August 2, 2024 | 12U Preseason Championship Game
Hawks Hold Off Sharks to Claim Title at Dance in the Desert
In a physical, hard-fought 12U championship game, the Las Vegas Hawks used grit, hustle, and a few explosive plays to take down the El Paso Sharks, 6–0, and secure the title at this year’s Dance in the Desert Tournament.
Right out of the gate, the Sharks made a strong statement. Their quarterback dropped a dime to #30, a smooth connection that gave them momentum on the opening drive. But the Hawks responded with defense — #44 broke through for a key sack on fourth down, stopping the drive cold.
In the second quarter, the Hawks turned up the heat. After a fumble by the Sharks, #16 pounced on it to flip possession. The Hawks then pieced together a series of big plays: #24 broke off a 30-yard run, and #3 made a clutch 30-yard catch down to the 5-yard line. Moments later, #1 punched in the game’s only touchdown. The extra point run by #5 was stuffed by two defenders, but the Hawks had a 6–0 lead.
The Sharks tried to answer late in the half, but as they moved the ball, Hawks #50 ripped it loose for a huge turnover. With time running out, the Hawks took one last shot to the end zone — but Sharks #30 came up with a momentum-swinging interception, sending the game into halftime with the Sharks still alive.
The second half was a battle of defenses. Early in the third, Sharks #2 caused a fumble, but Hawks #6 managed to recover and prevent a turnover. In the fourth, the Hawks sealed the deal not with a score — but with a tone-setting run. #54, their left tackle, bulldozed ahead for a 15-yard carry, giving the crowd one final highlight and draining the clock.
