Manchester East Cobras 13u

Manchester East Cobras 13U: This team has been together since their Flag Football years. With each new athlete that joined, the team has gotten better. However, their climb to being a team to beat has not been an easy one.

In 2018, this team entered their tackle years playing a level up due to 3-4 athletes needing a be placed on a 9U team. This meant, 14 athletes were league age 7 and 8 years old only having played flag football. The 2018 team won their first game; however, lost the rest of the season's games. The team had a fight in them, that, if they played their age level, they would have had a better outcome to the season.

The 2019 team continued to play a level up for the same reason. 8 and 9 year olds playing at the 10U level. This team showed up to every practice and every game believing they could win. Unfortunately, the outcomes would remain the same - 0 wins on the season. This team found ways to continue to have fun with one another and parents were as supportive as ever.

Then, as we all know, the pandemic hit in 2020. NHYFSC (NH AYF) had an abbreviated season. This was the opportunity for this team to remain at their 10U level. With many returners and some new athletes, the team ended the 2020 10U season 3-3 with a state semi-final appearance. During the semi-final game, this team was the only team to have scored against their opponent (having been just shut out the the week before in the regular season finale).

In 2021, this team hit its stride. All athletes were prepared to play at the 11U level and it showed. With all of the athletes and coaches working on the same page, the wins came with each week. This team ended the 2021 11U season 8-0 for the regular season and 2nd in the state.

During the 2022 12U season, more new faces joined the team. Adjustments needed to be made. The team dynamic had to find its identity. The road to the State Championship game was not easy. The team quickly found itself 0-3; however, these athletes kept their eyes on the ultimate prize. With each game following, all of the pieces fell into place. The team ended the season with a 5-3 record and 2nd in the state for 12U.

In their farewell season, the expectations to get into the state championship game (and beyond) was set. The team started off to a fast 2-0. This team worked hard through any and all obstacles that they faced in the middle of the season. They ended the season 5-2 with a state playoff push. Although the season came to an end sooner than anyone wanted (a loss in the state semi-final game); the memories on and off the field will last a lifetime.

The Manchester East Cobras 13U team is sending 6 athletes (out of 9 who tried out) to the AYF All-Stars National Championships in Naples, Florida next week! Half of the 13U athletes were league age 12 and are prepped to make the championship run in their final season in 2024.

This team is a special one. Several of the coaches have coached these athletes through Flag and their early years in tackle. The team mom has been the first line of communication with the athletes' parents and brings a calming presence to the team.

I, as President and mom of a graduating 13U player, am going to miss this team immensely. The memories are abundant. I wish all of the graduating 13U players the best of luck in their final Middle School Winter and Spring sports; and look forward to seeing them on the High School stage next year.



Aisha Weaver, MEd, CAGS
President
Manchester East Cobras Youth Football & Spirit Association