Edge Salem in overtime, 16-14, in Youth Football
Published in the November 22, 2016 edition
WALTHAM — The Wakefield Youth Warriors wrapped up the season last Sunday in a game between the Commonwealth Football Champion Wakefield Warriors seventh/eight grade team versus the Northeast Conference Football Champion Salem Witches at Bentley University in Waltham.
The game started with a 70 yard run by Max Brennen scoring a touchdown and Daniel Hurley kicking the extra point putting Warriors on top 8-0.
Wakefield led most of the game with some great defensive stands going back and forth. Salem made things interesting late in the fourth quarter moving the ball and scoring to tie the game at 8-8.
Wakefield, content to play in overtime, took a knee on its final play of regulation.
In overtime Salem had first possession scoring and missing the extra point with some pressure put on by the Warrior defense.
Wakefield took its shot and scored the first play off right tackle. The all important extra point came up and Hurley, who was clutch all year, was no different Sunday with all the pressure he split the uprights giving Wakefield the win, 16-14.
The Wakefield team ran onto the field celebrating its victory in its first year in this new league and hoisting up their Super Bowl trophy. A great job was done by all players and the coaching staff led by Mike Crusco.
The fifth/sixth grade team did Wakefield proud and competed in the Conference Championship Game on Nov. 13, but fell short to Charlestown 31-20. This was a hard fought game to the end with high scoring teams on both sides.
Wakefield’s third/fourth grade cheerleaders competed in their competition taking home third place, a job well done by the young group.
Wakefield Youth Football/Cheering made its debut this year with a new league and President Bill DeLeary. The year was a success as Wakefield had multiple teams participating deep into the playoffs and its cheering teams competing with success as well.
Wakefield is expecting great things in the future with this league and being highly competitive at all levels for years to come. If you would like to be a part of a championship program visit the WYF website at wakefieldyouthfootball.com. Registration for cheering and football usually opens up in early spring and WYF will send out notifications through the newspaper, schools and its website. WYF is always looking for volunteers. Contact one of the board members via the contact on the website.
