Trailing by 16 points in a playoff football game makes a ready excuse for a group of 12- year-olds to become rattled.

The Pelham/Windham Razorbacks decided to forego that option and came storming back to take a second-half lead in the New England semifinals of the Pee Wee division before falling to the eventual American Youth Football regional champions, 28- 24.

After falling behind 22-6 to the Meriden, Conn., Raiders during the game on Nov. 18, the Razorbacks took the lead with about seven minutes remaining.

The Raiders struck back, taking the lead for good with roughly four minutes left on the clock. The Razorbacks’ final drive stalled at the Meriden 37- yard line.

Pelham-Windham’s comeback, however, remains clear in head coach Dave Masiello’s mind.

“They easily could have folded,” he said, “but they decided to make the adjustments and just go for it. They showed great composure, and for kids that age to just keep making plays, it was just impressive.”

Quarterback Jake Vaiknoras paced the Razorbacks’ offense, throwing for two touchdowns and notching one score on the ground.

According to Masiello, the biggest key of youth football is instilling the basic skills of the game in children to help them succeed down the road.

“Physically, it’s about teaching them about proper techniques because everything will come after that,” said Masiello.

“Then it’s about commitment, not wanting to give up, leadership and putting the team first.” The on-field lessons not only help players in future games, but also in other venues.

“They learn to accept their role, and how to be punctual,” said Masiello. “Everything they are learning on the football field is going to help them later. The lessons in work and life that they’ll learn are taking place on the football field right now.”

For the last 10 years, the Pelham/Windham Razorbacks have accumulated the most wins of any youth football program in New England, said Masiello.

“It’s always about the kids,” he said. “We get good quality kids every year. They want to work hard and sacrifice for their teammates. We also have a lot of hardworking coaches who love to do that job.”

In the semifinal loss, Muhanned Bagegni caught seven passes, Kevin Cooney reeled in a hook and ladder for a key third-quarter first down, and Kevin Deangelo contributed a 65-yard catch-and-run for a score.

Middle linebacker Mike Bernabei had a solid game on defense, while David Crichton played well at both offensive and defensive tackle.