Andalusia’s 8U Dixie All-Stars fought valiantly in the 2016 Dixie District 9 8U tournament in Geneva before falling to Enterprise in the championship game Wednesday night.

“This is great group of kids,” Andalusia head coach Aaron Barton said. “They really have given it their all in every game we have played.”

The young Bulldogs opened up the tournament with a strong 15-10 victory over host team Geneva.

Next up, Andalusia dismantled Zion Chapel and poured on the runs for a 25-5 win.

Andalusia then hit a minor bump in the road when they ran into Enterprise. Enterprise just barely held off the Bulldogs for a 19-14 win.

Not ones to be deterred, the young Bulldogs showed a lot heart as the eliminated Slocomb from the tournament with a 22-11 victory.

With the win over Slocomb, Andalusia earned a spot in the district championship game and rematch with Enterprise on Wednesday night.

The Enterprise 8U team jumped out front early in the championship game and held off Andalusia 25-6 to claim the 2016 Dixie District 9 8U title.

“We’ve had our ups and down along the way just like anyone does,” Barton said. “The thing about this team is they just don’t quit. We’ve been down by 10 runs twice and came back. This team always plays hard and as a coach, that’s all I can ask from them.”

Throughout the tournament, Andalusia got tremendous efforts out Asher Bentley, Landen Butler, Riley Cravey, Noah Curry, Kielan Davis, Brayden Harper, Bryson Jones, Armani Justice, Connor Ray, Carter Sasser, Jordyn Skanes and Grover Wells.

The way the 8U Dixie tournaments work, both the champions and runner up earn a spot in the 8U Dixie Alabama state tournament.

Andalusia and Enterprise will both advance to the state tournament in Wetumpka on July 8 and 9.

The Andalusia 8U All-Stars are coached by Aaron Barton, Ashley Cravey, Bob Bentley, Devaris Skanes and Daniel Wells.