Coming At Ya!! Next Generation Classic Day 1

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Jacksonville,

The M.O.T cowboys hosts the first annual Next Generation Classic at Singleton Park (LaVilla). The classic features several teams competing in a pre-season tournament of football to be crown classic champion at the end. The classic kicked off tonight , Friday the 24th and will end on Sunday the 26th. Here’s a breakdown of the Day 1 action.

6u Division

M.O.T Cowboys-28 vs Oak Hill Saints-7

The youngsters got out there and ran around a bit, as the 6U Cowboys defeated the 6u Saints 28-7. The cowboys used a ground attack that featured their power back #20. The Saints kept it competitive but could not keep up with their opponents. In the end M.O.T, it was MOT that marched to victory not the saints. Both teams seemed to have fun however, and at this level that’s what its all about. Charis Stubbs who’s son Ta’Shaun Houston (RB) plays for the Saints, says her son was very excited to play his first year of football. When asked why she signed him up for football this year she replied ” this is his passion”. Tanya Cullum, mother of 6U Tyson Callum agreed. “He’s always wanted to play (football).” She noted that she observes Tyson getting “very focused on game days”. Maybe this is why Tyson says that his favorite part of playing Center and Defensive End is hitting!

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8U Division

M.O.T Cowboys -28 vs Oak Hill Saints – 6

Coach Julio Santiago admitted that he and the rest of the coaches had butterfly’s before their game versus the Saints. It wasn’t because they didn’t know what was coming from their opponent, but they wern’t quite sure what they would see form their own team. With only three returning starters, the 8U Cowboys are virtually starting from scratch. Yet after their performance in this first game on a rain soaked field, one could easily conclude that the coaches liked what they saw. The Cowboys were led by the triplets #3 Ephrian Wright, #2 Julio Santiago Jr, and #1 Troy Hillman.

These three were all over the field on offense and defense making plays where ever the ball was. One play that seemed to set the tone for the game was a jarring hit by Santiago that made the crowd erupt. Reminiscent of his play at Sandalwood and Bolles, Coach Santiago was very pleased with the running back’s hard running, including the joy of watching his son play. This joy was shown by the effort his team gave on this evening. The Saints effort was top notch as well. They were able to get into the end-zone, and conduct a goal-line stand late in the contest. But it wasn’t enough as the Cowboys ran away 28-6.

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10U M.O.T Cowboys – 31 vs JPAA Raiders -0

MOT’s #8 Antonian Bivens ran wild tonight for 10U as the cowboys blanked the JPJAA Raiders 31-0. Bivens, or T.O as they affectionate call him, ran for three touchdowns on the night, bulldozing his way through tacklers. The Raiders wanted no part of T.O when the ball was in his hands. He asserted his will against the defense all evening. The Cowboys defense was just as assertive as their offense. #9 Tarrance Stamper a LB for the 10U Cowboys led the defense to a shut out. Stamper undoubtedly had the hit of the night. On a kick off return by the Raiders, the returner found an opening around the left end and seemed to have the corner. When Stamper seemingly came out of nowhere and delivered a bone crushing hit.

This was indicative of the night for both teams. Just when the Raiders seemed like they could build some momentum, the Cowboys would knock the wind out of their sails.

The first day of the classic provided lots of action from every age level for the youth. It was a great opportunity for youth around the area to participate in team structured activities, when many of them could be doing something else on Friday Nights. Said Aaryn Williams president of the Oak Hill Athletic Association, “I started this association because there were a lot of high risked youth on the westside”. Their motto is Oak Hill on and Off the Field.

For Ivory Durham president of MOT, the classic provides an opportunity for the youth to show their greatness. “Typical of MOT we won’t be down; We’ve got some tune ups tonight to see where we’re at for tomorrow, because tomorrow will be tougher competition”. When asked what to expect from the classic on day 2, Durham responded with these two words ” Football & Fun”!

Check out Day 2 of the Next Generation Classic right here on Duval Sports. Make sure to like us on Facebook, Follow Us on Twitter, and instagram, and tweet your game pictures, and game day experience @DuvalSports !