By: Richard L. Smith
Coach Nasir Gaines and the Brick City Lions 12U football team were victorious in national competition action in Kissimmee, Florida, Friday evening.
The Lions -from Newark- easily defeated the highly ranked Islands Best Braves of California 19-0 to bring New Jersey their third consecutive championship crown, according to American Youth Football League officials.
Championship competition started on Monday, December 5th, with The Brick City Lions narrowly defeating The San Antonion Texas Outlaws 19-13 in a high-skilled defensive matchup.
Coach Gaines and his coaching staff gave the 12U team a day off to rest and reflect before preparing for semi-final action against The Hampton Road Wolfpacks of Virginia on Wednesday.
The contest ended with The Brick City Lions defeating the Virginia team 25-21, league officials said.
According to the league’s website, not affiliated with Pop Warner, American Youth Football, Inc., was established in 1996 and is a support services organization dedicated to giving back to communities by promoting the wholesome development of youth through their association with exemplary adult leaders in the sport of American football and cheer.
Guidelines are established to ensure that players play in an atmosphere of learning with a competitive balance between teams.
On Thursday, Coach Nasir Gaines told RLS Media that he appreciates the talent and skill levels the league allows his players to engage .
“This is a bigger league with more talented players that allows my kids to become more successful,” Coach Gaines said.
American Youth Football (AYF) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that provides support services, scholarships, grants, community programs and tournaments to member organizations that service over one million members in 50 states and several countries worldwide.