A huge congratulations to the Central Florida 7th Grade team for their incredible achievement this past weekend at the FBU National Tournament in Paradise Coast, Naples, Florida. The team finished the drill and captured the prestigious FBU National Championship title in dramatic fashion, cementing their place as one of the top youth football teams in the nation.
A Path to Glory
The road to the championship wasn’t easy. Central Florida faced and defeated two powerhouse teams: an impressive South Atlanta squad and a dominant Maryland Elite team. With strategic dominance and exceptional execution, Coach Tyrone Smith and his staff prepared the team to perfection, ensuring every player understood their role and contributed to the overall success.
The National Championship Showdown
In the final, Central Florida faced NFL great Ted Ginn’s Team Ohio in a game that had everything you could ask for in a championship matchup. The battle was so intense it required overtime to decide the winner. Central Florida outlasted Ohio in a nail-biter, claiming the title with a 16-14 victory, decided by just two points.
MVPs and Standout Performances
The championship team was led by MVP HyQuez Russell, who dominated on both sides of the ball, delivering game-changing plays throughout the tournament. Hyquez blasted onto the scene at last year’s MVP at the RNR TOP100 Super Showcase. He also has won the MVP award at C1N’s Bless the babies’ national Tournament. This young man has been on aware lately and this event would be no different. With his performance today he has solidified himself as one of the top athletes in the Nation! Additional key performances included:
•Anthony Woods: The team’s X-factor, consistently delivering big plays that shifted momentum.
•Hunter Meadows: Named Defensive MVP for his relentless pressure, finishing the championship game with an incredible 5 sacks.
•CJ Perkins: A tackling machine, recording 10 tackles and an interception, wreaking havoc on Ohio’s offense.
•Lawrence Wright: Secured a pivotal interception and a critical pass breakup on 4th-and-goal at the 1-yard line.
•Chris Stepleton & Macen Stafford: Anchored the trenches, delivering crucial blocks and protecting their teammates, embodying the heart of the team.
A Stellar Weekend for Central Florida
The Central Florida FBU chapter had an outstanding weekend overall, with all four teams winning their final games on Sunday. The chapter recorded a 7-5 overall record, including a 3rd-place finish for the 10U squad and several individual accolades:
•4 Freshman All-Americans (Class of 2024)
•5 UA 8th Grade Game Selections (Class of 2024)
•1 UA 8th Grade Game Selection (Class of 2025)
•1 Freshman All-American Game Selection (Class of 2025)
Coach Lo’s Reflections
Coach Lo Woods, known as the “Kamp King,” praised his players, staff, and supporters for their hard work and dedication. “This was a total team effort,” Coach Lo said. “I’m proud of every single athlete, coach, and supporter who made this weekend a success. We couldn’t have done it without everyone working together.”
Follow the Action
Special shout out to @rawmedia407 for capturing the weekend with incredible photos and videos. Be sure to follow them for complete coverage of Central Florida’s championship journey!
Congratulations again to the Central Florida 7th Grade team for their unforgettable run and to the entire chapter for representing Central Florida with pride and excellence!
