By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

 

While Saturday morning marked the end of football season for some teams, the winners moved one step closer to being crowned champions.

The first round of the Selma youth football playoffs were held Saturday morning at Memorial Stadium, as six teams, four in the 10-12 year old age group and two from the 7-10 year olds, played for a chance to be crowned champions.

The 10-12 year olds began the day, as the Raiders took a dominating 30-0 win over the Falcons to advance to the championship game at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17.

The win gives the Vikings a shot at their second straight undefeated championship season.

Keshawn Arrington, who scored three touchdowns on the day for the Vikings, said it feels good to have all his team’s hard work pay off.

“It feels good to be going to the championship,” Arrington said. “How hard we’ve been working and stuff, now it’s paid off and the championship is going to be ours.”

The next game was between the Jets and 49ers, as the Jets would dominate and go on to win 24-0, as they’ll face the Vikings on Nov. 17.

For one Jets’ player, the next time he takes the field will feel like the big game.

“It feels great,” said Taylor Ellis of the Jets.

“It feels like we’re in the Super Bowl.”

The final game of the day was between two 7-10-year-old teams, with the winner advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 30-0, and will face the Colts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Rondarius Sanders of the Raiders, who scored twice for his team, said he’s glad to get a chance to play for a title.

“It feels good,” Sanders said. “Last year we didn’t go to the championship, but this year we get to go.”

The Cowboys of the 7-10-year-old age group won their game that was scheduled for Saturday by forfeit and will play the Bears on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.