Packers fall short
(pictured above: Packer Jordan Timmons provided the team’s only bright spot.) (photos by Charles Lefwich Jr.)
For three quarters of the American Youth Football (AYF) State Championship game, the Packers Pee Wees had visions of advancing to next week’s Atlantic Regionals in Maryland. Instead, they had a horrific fourth quarter and the end result was a 28-6 loss to the Team Charlotte Bills last Saturday in Charlotte.
Up until the final quarter, both teams engaged in a tense defensive struggle. The Bills, who led 7-0 at the half, scored on their second offensive possession of the game. After that, the Packers defense, spearheaded by Jamari Slade, Michael Lownes, Lee Sales and Tazhae Woods, kept the Charlotte team under wraps.
The Packers offense got untracked early in the fourth quarter. Jordan Timmons wasted no time showcasing his skills as the featured running back. On that drive, Timmons rushed five times for 50 yards, which included an eight-yard touchdown run. The conversion failed and the Packers trailed 7-6. For the game, Timmons finished with 82 rushing yards.
After coming within one point of the lead, things unraveled quickly for the Packers, who won a PYCFL playoff championship game two weeks ago. The Bills answered with an offensive explosion and the Packers never recovered. After Timmons score, the Bills ran back a kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, and scored again on a third-down pass play that went 90 yards. The Bills put on the finishing touches with a sustained drive that ended with a short touchdown run.
“Everybody played hard, but we still came up short,” said Coach Gary Warren of the Packers, who end their season at 8-2. “What it all comes down to is being able to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. We just didn’t do that today.”
Coach Gary “June” Warren (left) poses with an assistant coach.
Entering the state championships, the only blemish on the Packers’ record was a season-opening loss. After that, they won eight in a row and had high expectations for the postseason.
“I don’t believe there was ever a turning point for us this season,” said Warren. “Our team played well from the very start. We had that one loss, but then we went on that winning streak and kept getting better every week. I’d say that we had a very good year.”
Aside from Timmons and the key defensive players, the Packers got stellar production from Ahmani Marshall, Marquez Hurst and Rahkem Roberts.
