Hornets 90-Pounders Reach Title Game

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A group of 8- and 9-year old athletes composed primarily of first-year football players came together to form the 90-lbs Central Division Green Hornets this season. Despite their relative inexperience, the Green Hornets went 7-4 overall and made it to the championship game of the Anne Arundel Youth Football Association Central.

Following a first-round playoff victory over Severn, the Green Hornets played a hard-fought final against undefeated South River Youth Association, ultimately succumbing to the Seahawks 12-6. The result was an improvement from two lopsided regular-season shutout losses the Green Hornets suffered to the Seahawks, a testament to Severna Park’s season-long improvement and heightened play in the playoffs.

The team, comprising Adam Rather, Amir Titow, Brandon Tenenbaum, Brent Rueppell, Cole Brake, Ethan Jones, Evan Booth, Evan Parsons, Isaiah Green, Jackson Heravi, Jordan Steeves, Landon Joe, Mason Pugh, Nathan Kohler, Owen Buczynski, Ryan Beall, Ryan Bonk, Tate Antinucci and Teagan McDonough, was coached by head coach Charles Jones and assistant coaches Leon Titow, Scott Kohler and Jeremy Steeves.

“We came together over the season through our team building strategy and coaching style of keeping it simple and instilling confidence into our kids on the field, which helped us make it to the championship,” said coach Jones. “I am most proud of my team because we came together as a team when it really counted. Our team grew stronger as the season went on because everyone pitched in 150%...I think nobody expected much of us, but we came out and made it to the championship. Next year we will come back stronger and better.”

Like many teams that work hard and play for each other, the team’s bonding transcended the field.

“When we are practicing and playing, we are more then a team, we are a family,” said Jones. “We take care of each other. If someone needs a ride, if someone is hurt, we are all there as a team for each other. Football is more about building long-lasting relationships than winning or losing. We hope to make a difference in the kids’ lives, but in the end, they make a difference in ours.”

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