PABLO - The Two Eagle River Eagles are struggling through their

first year of six-man football, but you wouldn't know it by

watching the kids play.

PABLO - The Two Eagle River Eagles are struggling through their first year of six-man football, but you wouldn't know it by watching the kids play.

In their most recent contest over the weekend, the Eagles fell to Alberton High School 38-6, but continued to improve and had fun doing it.

"I think our effort was great," head coach Clayton Malatare said. "It was one of the hardest games we played all year. We played 110 percent and had fun, smiling, highfiving."

Each week, new players make their debut on the gridiron for Two Eagle. This week, Marcus Brown and Zane Bundy saw playing time.

"It made a difference having them out there," Malatare said.

Brown caught seven passes from the coach's son, Clayton Malatare, for a team-leading 85 yards, while Bundy was limited to a pair of receptions for 20 yards, but made a solid impact on defense.

"He made some good, solid tackles and was able to hold up the defensive end," coach Malatare said of Bundy.

The younger Malatare led the Eagles offensively, completing 18 of his 28 passes for 239 yards and added 122 yards on 12 carries, including a late 1-yard touchdown run.

On defense, Malatare led the team in tackles and also intercepted a pass.

Artie Mendoza caught three passes for 66 yards and contributed nine yards on two rushes, while KJ Lozeau had a reception for 14 yards, but continually harassed Alberton on the defensive side of the ball.

"He played his best defensive game of the year," coach Malatare said of Lozeau.

Two Eagle plays a road game this Saturday, but will return home on Oct. 22 for homecoming with a game against St. Regis. Coach Malatare hopes the turnout continues for their next home matchup.

"I've been really pleased with our fan support for our first year back," Malatare said.

Judging by the way the Eagles are playing on the field, they've definitely earned that support.