After winning the Diablo Valley Youth Football League’s coveted Turkey Bowl on Nov. 28, the East County Lions Junior Midget football team headed to Napa to play the North Bay Youth Football League’s champion Bears from Santa Rosa.

The Bears, who had won four straight conference titles heading into the showdown and surrendered only 18 points the entire year, were dominated by the Lions from the start.

The Lions asserted their dominance on the first play from scrimmage as Justin Zapanta fired a 40-yard bullet to Sam Hin. Ivan Oseguerra, John Velasquo and Austin Solari chipped in with big offensive plays. The Lion defense devoured the bears with blitzes and secondary coverage the entire game. Defensive stars included by Alec Espino, Justin Young, Christian Checki and Savonte Perry, plus Artrell and Martrell Banks. The Lions won the North Coast Section final 31-8.

The Junior Pee Wee game was won by the San Ramon Tee Birds 27-6. The Pee Wee level was won by the Clayton Valley Falcons 35-0. The East County Lions won the Junior Midget game 31-8. And the Deer Valley Wolverines completed the DVYFC sweep, beating the Bears 33-6.

– Contributed by Ingrid Gregerson