Miami Pop Warner Game of the Week Recap: Raiders beats Rams 8-6
Photo Credit: One Life Films, Photograph, and Videos.
On Saturday, afternoon at Tamiami Park crosstown rivals Goulds vs. Palmetto clashed to determine who will take the driver seat in the standings at the 12U division. Both teams were without their premier players, Dylan "Hit stick" Gill and Darriel "Big Man" Harper from last season. The game didn't look good early on for the Raiders as Goulds RB/ATH Marquis Robinson (#2) appeared to have Heisman-like day, as he found daylight every time he touched the ball behind his massive offensive line.
Robinson's first three carries resulted in first downs (13, 15, 16) as his offensive line paved the way. In the same drive, Robinson would then line-up at wide receiver and beat the Raiders deep for a 21-yard touchdown, which was perfectly thrown by Jose Lopez.
Offensive Coordinator Lawrence Corbett, made mental notes realizing his offense chances of marching upfield under center was going to be a challenge. Rams defensive tackle Joshua "Hot Dog" McDowell was causing continues havoc. The Raiders offense would go three and out in their opening possession. Right before the start of the 2nd quarter, Rams ball carrier would muscle his way off tackle, converting on 4th and 8, placing the ball at the Raiders 3-yard line.
Miscues would derail the Rams drive, as the offense would go backward resulting in false start, fumble (recovered by Rams), a near intercepted, and on 4th down cornerback Tadarius "Poppa" Hughes, on an island in man-to-man coverage, caught an interception and returned it for 26-yards, as he secured the ball with both hands before being tackle. Palmetto shifted from under center to the shotgun offense on their second possession. Running back Kamari "Green Shoes" Morrison (#4) ran for back-to-back first downs. But, on the ensuing play, the Raiders would fumble and Rams would recover.
ATH Kamari "Green Shoes" Morrison recorded an interception and receiving a touchdown
Goulds tried to test the Raiders discipline on defense, attempting to throw a double pass but safety Kamari "Green Shoes" Morrison displayed amazing range and ball skills, racing across the field and attacking the ball at the highest point, intercepting the pass and returning it over 20-yards giving his team additional momentum. Raiders QB Kymani Corbett (#5) returning to the shotgun offense (empty formation) would light up the scoreboard in his third possession. Corbett would quickly find slot receiver Kamari "Green Shoes" Morrison within the flat zone area and raced 61-yards for a touchdown.
Corbett appeared to have a clock inside his head. Displaying quick releases connecting on all his targets besides one deep pass. The extra point attempt was good. Raiders take the lead, 8-6.
Raiders running back Marlon Williams (#1) provided a change of pace -- using his power and determination racking up three first downs. But, the Rams would bend but not break. Late in the 4th quarter, the Rams special teams stepped up. Blocking the Raiders punt, and the Rams would capitalize immediately. Rams' ball carrier Joshua "Hot Dog" McDowell, would bounce inside and then bounced back outside and raced 44-yards upfield, down the Raiders sideline before being pushed out of bounce.
CB Tadarius "Poppa" Hughes recorded 2 interceptions vs. Goulds Rams
On 3rd down and 2, Raiders cornerback Tadarius "Poppa" Hughes inside his own red zone would fight off a block and make a critical stop in open space. Hughes would be tested yet again, less than 2 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter on 4th down and he would catch his 2nd interception of the game, which sealed the game. Win or loss, this game was a glimpse of the Sean Taylor Classic. Raiders defensive lineman Angel Gonzalez (#14) and Kentrell Davis (#3) and the entire unit, did a phenomenal job challenging linemen far bigger and heavier than them. Who said, special teams, aren't important. The unsung star was the Raiders' placekicker deciding the final score.
The Rams defense without question lays the wood and is fast. I believe Rams 12U is setting the bar at how an offensive line should look, as Pop Warner continues to transition to unlimited age base football. The Raiders shotgun just caught them off guard or should I say, out of place, which resulted in a touchdown.
