- Simba French
- 5 hrs ago
- 0
A total of three champions were crowned in the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) as it wrapped up its 2023 regular season outside the old Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium on Saturday.
In the featured game, Team Inne won the 6-9 age group championship game, taking down Team Dawkins. The 10-13 age group was locked up by Team Dawkins. In the 14-17 age group, Team Munroe won the championship trophy.
“We finished off the season in first place so I went into this championship game very optimistic about the win. I didn’t foresee a 35-13 victory as I thought it was going to be a lot tougher. We came out and pulled it out in the clutch and I’m very proud of my kids. They did an excellent job this season,” Marshall said.
Marshall said her plan was to pressure the opposing quarterback and limit his effectiveness. It worked for her and the team.
Team Dawkins got on the scoreboard early in the game, taking a 7-0 lead. Team Inne got on the scoreboard, going ahead 8-7. Team Inne got on the scoreboard again, taking a 15-7 lead. Team Dawkins made it a close game with a touchdown as Team Inne led just 15-13 at that point. That was the last point that Team Dawkins put on the scoreboard. Team Inne scored three more touchdowns and all three touchdowns came from King.
“Excellent quarterback Shaquille Thurston was actually a rookie. This is his first season with us and they make a an amazing team. Between them both, we were unstoppable this season,” Marshall said.
In the 10-13 age group, Team Dawkins pulled off a 23-14 win over Team Kevin. Team Dawkins scored three touchdowns in the impressive win. Their defense allowed just two touchdowns.
Head Coach for Team Dawkins, Ulan Dawkins, said he was impressed with his team’s performance throughout the season.
“The season itself was definitely one of those seasons where I saw we had exponential growth. When I say exponential it’s in terms of the teamwork and the chemistry. Today, we had a tight and emotional game so we knew that when we coaching them based on their passion, things get riled up. Nonetheless, we played a great game against Coach Kevin… they did a great job out there. Most importantly, our team was able to rally for the win,” Dawkins said.
The MVP for that division was Team Munroe’s Amari Hutcheson.
The 14-17 age group title was decided in a defensive game as both teams scored a combined 14 points. In the end, Team Munroe took care of Team Allen, 8-6, to carry that division’s title.
Assistant Coach for Team Munroe Reginald Cartwright said his team persevered in the championship game.
“I think we started the game off hot and we made a few mistakes, but we decided to pull together. It’s an overwhelming feeling but it’s all about the kids. It’s good to see them take on the sport and enjoy it, learn and grow from year to year,” Cartwright said.
Wyatt Cartwright won the MVP for that age category.
The 2023 USA Flag Youth World Championships will be held in San Antonio, Texas, from December 29-30. Three local teams are registered to participate.