The Springfield SYF Tigers have just won 4 AYF New England regional championships, at the 10u, 11u, 12u and 14u age levels. The AYF regional championships were held at Bryant University in Rhode Island. In order to earn a birth in the regional finals each team had to win the state championships held in New Britain, Connecticut.
The road to regionals started at the state championships. The 10U Tigers won 18-14 over the previously #1 ranked Bridgeport Chargers. The 10U team caught fire late in the season and overcame adversity to win the state championship, including defeating Elm City 28-13, after previously losing to them. The 11U Tigers won 24 - 8 over the Meriden Raiders, winning their second straight state title. The 11U team were the favorites to win the conference within the organization but were predicted to be second best team in CTAYF by the CT Youth Podcast. The 12U Tigers won 40-26 over the Norwich Wildcats, a team whose core was made up of the 2021 CTAYF Champion New London Whalers. The 12U Tigers beat the Wildcats three times, which is a tough task for any team to accomplish. The 14U Tigers walked through New England with power, speed, and a superior air game and a fierce ground game.
The day started with 10U as the Springfield Tigers faced off against the Derry Demons from New Hampshire, Rylan Thesher and Kenson Mitchell added scores with solid blocking contributions from Jose Santiago and Darrien Parker. Coach Raheem told his Oline "stay on the blocks" and told the running backs to "trust that they do that and we will score every time". The kids trusted the offensive Coordinator and the results speak for themselves, Springfield prevailed 32- 7.
Next the 11U Springfield Tigers faced off with the CLCF Chiefs from Rhode Island. Ja'hmier Lawrence scored 4 touchdowns with Ck'yaire Sepheus adding a receiving touchdown on a throw from Remington Brown. Adrien Gonzalez, Malachi Robinson and Omari Cross led the way on the offensive line with Jamier Coleman adding big hits from the line backer position. The 11U team also known as The Track Team because of the speed of their playmakers and how fast they put points on the board dominated 32-0. Coach Cotton said "this team is made up of kids and parents who are selfless and are more about the team than individual accolades". The 11U Tigers look to take lessons learned against big time opponents Brooklyn Chiefs (NY) and RMG Elite (NY) to help them win the National AYF Title.
The 12U team powered to a win over the CLCF Chiefs led by runs from Xavier Thomas and Anthony Whaley. Up front big Watkins opened holes with bone crunching blocks and timely receptions. Owen Maldoon tackled from sideline to sideline adding his vocal leadership and enthusiasm. Jahir Charles added 2 touchdown throws and an extra point toss in addition to solid unwavering leadership even after the Chiefs stopped a drive with staunch defense. Zamir Reid-Cooke knocked runners down repeatedly as Springfield sealed the deal and punched their tickets to Florida. Springfield won 26-6.
The 14U team, which without a doubt is the best 14U team in New England came out and set the tone with multiple touchdown runs from speedster Brandon Cotton, as well as touchdown throws from the rocket armed Jarreth Staine, who is looking be the next signal caller for the Springfield (Central) Eagles this upcoming fall.. Frankie Torres took two strips to the house, and the Tigers defense imposed their will on the Everett Panthers. Isaiah Rogers added strong blocks and big time tackles to propel the Tigers to Kissimmee Florida in a couple weeks. Springfield blanked Everett 34-0. Coach Mark Jenkins famous for half time tik tok speeches will have three more chances to go viral as he will be motivating his team to win the first national title in Springfield Tigers history.
The Springfield Tigers aspire to represent their city and their big brothers at Springfield Central. The Springfield Central Eagles have won 3 state championships back to back to back. The Eagles won two championships at the Division 3 level and won at the Division 1 level. The Eagles look to win the Division 1 Championship again at Gillette Stadium Saturday at 12:30pm December 3rd. With many coaches who also coach both the Tigers and Eagles, the town of Springfield will be rooting for all teams to represent them in Massachusetts and in Florida.
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The Springfield SYF Tigers organization was developed by Coach Wayne Barbour and Coach Bill Watson (who now coaches at Springfield Central). Wayne Barbour spends countless hours organizing game day logistics, jersey orders and also serves as the Vice President of Football for the CTAYF. Springfield, Massachusetts is the birthplace of basketball. Home of the basketball hall of fame, it seems to be an odd home for arguably the best sports program in Massachusetts or for the matter New England. Home to 156,000 people, Springfield is the 4th largest city in New England and the third largest city in Massachusetts.
The 10U team roster has not been submitted yet.
The 11U team is composed of Richard Agin, Amir Allen, Christopher Allen, Dasean Auston, Kaesin Batista, Nolan Bonney, Kenith Brown, Reminston Brown, Casey Cameron, Omari Cross, Jean Davila, Kehdyn Drayton, Adrien Gonzalez, Kaden Gonzalez, Valentino Gonzalez, Elijah Hargett, Josiah Harvey, Julian Heatley, Julien Hernandez, Justin Hurst, Jahmir Lawrence, Quinn Martin, Ryder Mayer, Ivan Miller, Xavier Ortega, Nathaniel Quesava, Malachi Robinson, Cky'Aire Sepheus, Christopher SImpson, Jediah Suarez, Ravon Turner and Noah Woods.
The 12U's team roster has not been submitted yet.
The 14U team is fueled by Jareth Staine, Shawn Jenkins, Jayvon Rodriguez, Jacob Rodriguez, Jacob Colon, Brandon Cotton, Xavier Diaz, Eugene Miller, Frankie Torres, Jordan Daniels, Jeremiah Moorehead, Lamar Eberhart, Aiden McColough, isiaih Rogers, Noah Green, Dyarel Wojtowicz, Jaziel Castellano, Cqahni Dyer, Jadon Stewart, Samuel Claudio, Adam Gomez, Jacob Martinez, Jaivione Velazquez, Brian Thomas, Vernon Charles, Jasiel Ramos, Yadiel Lyuando, Kaiden Brown, Cash Smith, and Bruce Earl.
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