All summer – no matter where they went – Hialeah Champagnat Catholic has been somewhat of an attraction on the football field. Last Saturday, playing in a field that included defending tournament champion South Dade, Palmetto, Coral Reef, Killian, Keys Gate Charter, Barrington Christian, South Miami, Coral Gables and the host school, Miami Archbishop Carroll, the Lions took a bite out of the competition to win the third annual Backyard Bash 7-on-7 challenge. For head coach Mike Tunsil and his staff, just keeping all the talented players happy in events such as 7-on-7 tournaments is never as easy as it looks. There are so many skilled athletes, everyone wanted a chance to showcase their skills against some pretty decent and athletic competition. “We have had such a great summer, but now it’s back to the reality of taking all these impressive athletes and keeping them on the same page,” Tunsil laughed. “You know how it is when everyone wants the ball.” As the Lions continued to make short work out of a competitive field, it was in the championship game against a very young and talented Gulliver Prep squad that really started to make those in attendance believe that this could be one of the best Class 2A teams in the state this coming season. In the spring, the Lions had lost a close game to the Raiders, but things changed on Saturday. The 27-10 win over the Raiders in the title game was indeed a great way to cap off what had been one of the most prospect-filled days of football. Any direction you looked in, there was a prospect. Class of 2016 sophomores Kato Nelson and Darnell Salomon continued to show why there may not be a better combination anywhere in the state of Florida – in this class. Nelson, a very gifted quarterback who comes in from Hollywood McArthur, and Salomon – easily one of the country’s top 2016 receivers – continued to click down the stretch. In fact, that was a combination that seemed to get it done when needed. “This was not a terrible tournament at all,” Tunsil said. “We got pushed plenty out there, and I think that is a huge reflection on what Coach Rav Maisonet put together down here.” The summer-ending event at Archbishop Carroll was indeed a perfect way to usher in the season. The Lions had been extremely busy for the past few weeks – taking players to different colleges and universities, giving these prospects maximum exposure. In addition to Palm Bay Bayside defensive line transfer Travonte Valentine, who has verbally committed to Miami, several other prospects had that chance to get in front of college coaches to show what they could do. Everyone from Louisville commit Michael Johnson (safety), Jason Williams and athlete Franklin Labady (Cincinnati commit) to several other players who are on the rise. Class of 2015 juniors safety Maliek Jackson, receiver Steven Claude, defensive back Travorie McCrae, linebacker Irick McDonald and one of the most heralded in cornerback Gerald “Bubba” Robinson, have also turned heads along the way!!!!!!!!!! Gd Work Coach Zack, Jon Drummond, Coach Bell, Coach Powell & Coach Dino!!!!!!
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 22:46:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015