Jr. Oilers Stop Sparta Late to Capture 9U Championship
East Alton-Wood River faced one final test as Sparta drove deep into its territory, setting up a decisive defensive stand in a tightly contested championship.
EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - The East Alton-Wood River Jr. Oilers stopped the Sparta Dawgs on fourth down with seconds remaining Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, to secure a 19-18 victory and the 2026 9U league championship.
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Daelynn Jones scored two touchdowns, and Holden Shoemaker added another for the Jr. Oilers, who held off Sparta’s final drive to win the title.
The teams traded scores throughout the game. Jones broke tackles and outran defenders on his two touchdown runs, while Shoemaker’s scoring run helped keep the Jr. Oilers pace with the Dawgs.
Chase Visser contributed a key defensive play, intercepting a Sparta pass to end a scoring threat.
East Alton-Wood River held a 19-18 lead in the fourth quarter when Sparta mounted its final possession. With less than two minutes remaining, the Dawgs drove deep into Jr. Oilers territory.
Brantley Wilkinson and Oliver Carlise helped lead the defensive stand, disrupting plays at the line of scrimmage and closing running lanes. The Jr. Oilers stopped Sparta on fourth down with seconds left, preserving the one-point lead.
The East Alton-Wood River sideline celebrated as time expired.
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