Published Sunday, November 16, 2008

Colts, Vikings win youth football titles

The Newnan Times-Herald

The Coweta County Recreation Department's youth football program held its version of the Super Bowl last Monday night at its Hospital Road facility field.

A packed crowd weather a brisk and chilly night under the lights to watch unbeaten Colts and Bucs teams play in the 9-10 year-old championship, followed by the Vikings and Lions facing off in the 11-12 year-old title game.

The 9-10 final, won by the Colts 14-0, was a rematch of an earlier non-conference game between top division finishers. In the previous meeting, the Colts, coached by Drew Henderson, defeated the Bucs, coached by Joe Wright, 30-0.

The Bucs, determined not to see a repeat, took the Colts into halftime of a scoreless game.

The two teams came out energized for the second half, but the Colts struck first. The team drove the ball down inside the 5 yard-line, when Matt Henson came around the right side on a sweep. Bucs defender Emanuel Bridges was able to get his hand on the ball, which was fumbled into the end zone.

But Colts teammate Bailey Kennedy fell on the fumble in the endz one for a touchdown and Henson added a 2 point conversion to take the 8-0 lead.

Both teams continued to go back and forth making big plays and big hits. The biggest, though, came from Colts running back Khalil McCoy, who put the game away with a 50-plus yard touchdown, before the defense held on to the shut out effort the rest of the way.

"I want to give the Bucs credit for the effort, sportsmanship, and discipline," said Hendeson. "This was not an easy win for us."

The 11-12 final proved just as exciting, as the Vikings, coached by Ernest Cousins, held on to an 18-14 victory over a Lions team coached by Johnny Cameron.

Ed Daniels scored twice for the Vikings in the victory while Quan Tenney also added a score. Weylin Orr had both touchdowns for the Lions.

The recreation department thanks its coaches, players, referees, parents and staff for a successful season.