Florida Fire 14U: Jenkins and Aronson Steals the Show at Rack City Winter Classic
By Jerry Williamson Quarterbacks Keywon "Lights Out" Jenkins and Tyler Aronson is argubably the best 1-2 punch at the 14U division in the country. Jenkins was the opener and Aronson was the closer that didn't skip a beat. It helps tremendously by having reigning national champions (FBU and Pop Warner) as your signal callers.
Pictured: Keywon "Lights Out" Jenkins and Tyler Aronson
The duo picked a part elite teams such as Defcon and SFE. On the initial drive in the championship game, Jenkins went 3-for-3 on scoring drives against Defcon and the fire wouldn't look back. Aronson would close the game in style with several big boy throws and light up the scoreboard once again for the 4th touchdown of the game. Cornerback Santana Fleming played a key role keeping Defcon out the end zone as the fire steam rolled over Defcon 27-0 for the championship trophy.
Running back/slot receiver Cameron Thompson made a home early and often throughout the tournament in opposing teams end zone. He would averaged three touchdowns per game and make the opposing team lockdown nickel cornerback not challenge him at the line. I have a great feeling class of 2023 wide receiver Lamar Seymour, someone who possesses deceptive speed and height, is going to make a name for himself come high school despite having an older brother who is currently committed to the University of Miami named Laurence Seymour of Miami Central.
Lamar plays with confidence and when the balls is projected in his direction he is even more confident, as he caught multiple touchdowns from both Aronson and Jenkins. He also does a fantastic job attacking the ball at the highest point, which helped him win nearly 95% of his 50-50 balls and dominated smaller defenders using his wingspan. Wide Receiver DeAngelo Ponds earned "play of the day" at the Rack City Winter Classic (video available on Instagram Jerry_Risingstars) as he embarrassed an Defcon defender and then left him in the dust on the first play of the Championship Game for a score. His burst and quickness is unbelievable. Ponds is exciting in open space and is well worth the admission. On the defensive side of the ball he made additional clutch plays at free safety.
The Deon Sanders of the tournament was none other than Florida Fire CB Santana Fleming. He recorded over (5) Interceptions and caught several during the semi-finals and championship game. On the opposite side of field cornerback Guy Edmond Jr. wasn't a push over. He played smart and fast which made opposing quarterbacks pick their poison when balls were thrown in either direction. The secondary was also sparked by the play of Caleb Richardson and Brandyn Butler.
In their 7v7 debut, Florida Fire 14U went unbeaten and dominated the championship game by beating Defcon 27-0 which doesn't happen often.
