The 7U Lions won their first 5 games earning a spot in the championship game VS the Oak Harbor Rockets (Ohio). The Rockets also unbeaten cruised to the finals shutting out 4 of the 5 teams they played.
The Lions scored on the opening drive with a TD run from Cameron Dawood, followed by a Dominic Cassise run for the extra point. The Defense lead by Jimmy Elder, Ian Kampo, Jake Champaign, and Luke Diegel, held the Rockets scoreless for most of the 1st half. Dawood added to the lead with a spectacular TD run. Then James Phillips made a diving catch for the extra point.
The Rockets fought back scoring on 2 long TD runs but the Lions Defense stopped both extra point attempts, making the score 14-12. The Rockets looked poised for a scoring drive to take the lead but an interception by Cassise gave the ball back to Lions.
A great run by Elder took the Lions near the goal line, setting up Dawood for his 3rd TD run. Champagne caught a pass from Cassise to convert the extra point and seal the 21-12 victory.
It was an all around effort. Every Lion player scored during the tournament and there were several defensive highlights, including Interceptions returned for TD’s by Champaign and Diegel.
‘Just a great group of competitive kids. They played hard all year, improved every week, and loved playing together? Coach Cassise
‘I’m so thankful, proud, and happy for the boys. They are a special group? Coach Dawood
‘What a great weekend for our kids. There were a total of 38 teams in the three divisions won by Oxford-based teams. They came from all over including other Midwest states. In the open division each brought their best 6-10 kids and included teams from developed AAU/Travel organizations,? said Coach Joe Cassise.
‘If you think about it? it’s pretty special that 3 local teams made up of primarily neighborhood buddies won Championships in each division. There are great families and some really talented little guys in our area.?