Local teams get mixed results in AYF regionals
Photo by Craig T. Greenlee Slot receiver Marcus Aikens had a productive season in his first year with the Panthers Mighty Mites team. Photo by Craig T. Greenlee
Of the three area teams that reached the AYF Atlantic Regionals, only one team survived to win in the championship round in Charlotte last Sunday. In Division I, the South Fork Panthers lost 26-7 to the Virginia Beach Cavaliers in the Mighty Mites Division (9-and-Under).
The outcome in the Division II regional title game for Pee Wees (ages 11-12) produced different results. The Union Cross Bobcats had their way against Stafford Eagles (Va.) and won handily, 31-12. With the win, the Bobcats advance to the AYF National Championships set for Dec. 6-13 in Kissimmee, Fla. Here’s …
Division I
The Panthers were never able to get on track in the regional final. K.J. Johnson scored the only touchdown of the game for South Fork on an 18-yard run up the middle. Montae Jackson led the defense with six solo tackles.
“Last year, we beat this same team in the regionals, so now, we’re all even,” said coach Javon Manley, whose team finished the season at 10-1. “We’re not new to this stage (regional play). I feel good about our chances to make it to the nationals next year when we move up to the next level (Cadets Division).”
South Fork earned its berth to the title game with a 20-13 win over the Beacon House Falcons (Washington, D.C). Gavin Hardy had two touchdown runs and Brown also rushed for a score.
Division II
Union Cross went up by three touchdowns in the first half to set the tone in a convincing win.
Quarterback Ty Lyles had a hand in all of his team’s scoring. He threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score. Javon Myers Jr. finished the game with three touchdown catches. On defense, middle linebacker Jerron Sellars and lineman Elijah Thomas were the ringleaders for a unit that allowed 9.5 points per game in the regionals.
“This is all about us playing together as a team,” said coach Ralph Turner. “That’s what we’ve been able to do all year. We have to stay hungry, be humble, and not overlook anybody.”
In the opening round, the Bobcats (10-2) delivered a strong performance in a 39-7 blow-out win over the Fauquier Wolfpack (Va.). Lyles connected with Myers on two touchdown passes. Joseph Ritchens, Ken Mosquera, Christopher Joines, Jalen Thorn and Lyle all scored on touchdown runs.
Since losing to the Kernersville Riders (44-12) on the final week of the regular season, Union Cross has a three-win streak going.
