Yung Crew Wins USA Summer Championships After Slow Start

 

 

 

YUNG CREW REBOUNDS AFTER A SHAKY START

by: Jey Jones   

The USA Summer Championships in Williamsburg, VA was originally scheduled to feature the best team of the West, the World Champion Long Beach All-Stars against the beast of the East, East National Champion Yung Crew (GA).  Unfortunately, the Long Beach All-Stars were unable to make the tournament, leaving Yung Crew as early favorite to win it all. The 8v8 Eligible Division feature some up and coming teams including the Gamebreakers (MD), who are the "Phase II" of one 8man's top teams over the last few years; All-Met (MD).  Other teams included new comers ESPN (VA) who made the transformation from 8v8 Ineligible to Eligible, the Invaders (MD), Gang Green (GA) and Brand Nu (GA).

The tournament format was pool play for the first 2 rounds, finishing in a double elimination (guaranteed 4 games).  Yung Crew's first opponent was HUH, who has struggled in big tournaments, but stepped up handed Yung Crew an early loss with a shocking 12-6 win. Following the lose, YC found their stride and blew out the Invaders (MD) 25-0 giving them a 1-1 record heading into the double elimination round.

Ironically, their first opponent in the DE round was the Invaders; but this time the was much different as the Invaders rebounded with possibly the win of the tournament and defeated YC 17-14 on a game-winning FG placing them in the losers bracket early, which meant YC had to win out in 104 degree temperatures against some tough competition who were out to prove they could not only play with the East National Championships, but win a major tournament in which they were the clear favorites.

YC began Sunday morning by defeated G-Unit (MD) before facing home town rivals Brand Nu (GA) and RR (MD). This lead to a re-match with HUH who had earlier in the tournament handed YC their first loss.  This time, YC was the team on the rebound and defeated HUH to the Championship game versus an undefeated Gamebreaker team with depth and talent. 

Yung Crew exploded in the championship game, just as they did versus the Invaders, handing the GB a lop-sided lose 20-6.  However, just as with the Invaders, game two was played much differently.  It was the Gamebreakers breaking out to an late lead in a defensive battle on a 65 yard pass play for a 6-0 lead in the first half.  The extra point kick was missed, hitting the left up-right, which would ultimately be the deciding factor. 

After abandoning the big pass plays, QB Vawn Simms began to work the linemen and short game with the receivers and marched down the field tying the game in the second half.  On the all important extra point play, QB Vawn Simms connected for the 7-6 lead.  After a couple of defensive stops by both teams, YC was able to ice the victory with a quick out that was broken down the right side-line, giving YC a first down and the win as GB could not stop the clock.

Several things stood out in the USA Summer Championships, including the emergence of the Gamebreakers (MD) who have youth, depth and speed to compete with anyone; and an Invaders and HUH team that were considered B/C teams competing with top talent and both defeating the East Champions.  ESPN (VA) will be a team to watch with their spread offense in upcoming events.  They played Co-Ed on multiple teams and several players competing in 9v9 Ineligible in a 2-day tournament and still finished strong, along with Gang Green, Brand Nu, G-Unit and RR. 

All teams weathered the high temperatures and competed strong, however it was Yung Crew who shined the most as they proved that they can start slow, maintain their composure and finish strong.  Look for Yung Crew representing GA, Gamebreakers and HUH representing MD and ESPN to represent VA in the 2011 8v8 Eligible World Championships Pro Division in Las Vegas next March!

 

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