Apopka Lions advance to National Championship

Routs South Florida Ravens 32-0 in Southeast Regional Finals

Sometimes in youth football a single great player can carry a team to success, but it's usually limited success. The truly great teams will typically have an arsenal of talent and weapons on both offense and defense that fuel victory after victory on their way to championships. The Apopka Lions are a great team, and they showed that diversity of talent last Friday on both sides of the ball as they continue rolling their opponents by big margins.

Five different players scored touchdowns as the Lions ran over the South Florida Ravens 32-0 to capture the 13-and-under Central Florida Youth Football and Cheer League (CFYFL) Southeast Regional Championship in Sarasota. The Lions are 10-0 on the season, outscoring its opponents an astounding 290-19.

Daniel Demontagnac, Anthony Joseph, Desmond Harris and Rodreakas Smith all ran for touchdowns, while quarterback Kanaz Blackshear hit Victor Jones for a 20-yard touchdown pass to round out the scoring. Alfonso Williams intercepted a pass in the third quarter to help preserve the Lions defensive shutout of the Ravens. Demontagnac scored his touchdown on a 70-yard run, and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

According to its website, The CFYFL is a family-oriented league whose goal is to involve participants' entire family in all events and activities held year-round, culminating in the league, regional and national championships. Uniquely, the CFYFL has established alliances with Central Florida high schools to become their exclusive feeder-programs, focusing on player development both on the field and in the classroom. The league promotes sportsmanship and fair play for all.

The 13 and under division has a focus on team play where players get their first exposure to prep school level challenges on the football field. Players are expected to understand the value of competing for positions and personal/team gains through hard work. As in all other divisions, academics and the challenges of practice time and life balance are important. This division also has local, regional and national championship tournaments for those teams who qualify.

The Lions move on to the National Championships the first week of December. Their opponents are yet to be determined.