By Tiffany Williams –
CANTON, Ohio — The Jaguars Elite, led by tournament MVP Brysen Wright, shut out team Showtime 13-0 to win the 14u Boys NFL FLAG Championships Sunday afternoon at the ForeverLawn Sports Complex. Jaguars Elite represented the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Showtime represented the Atlanta Falcons.
Although Showtime recorded more passing yards (117) than Jaguars Elite (104), they struggled on key third-down opportunities, converting only once in six attempts.
Showtime rotated quarterbacks Januel Morales and Vincenzo Mena. Morales completed eight of 13 passes for 73 yards with one interception, while Mena went 4-for-10 for 51 yards. Jaguars Elite quarterback Dalton Motes completed eight of 12 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
The Jaguars’ offense was sparked early by Jaiden Barnett’s 30-yard over-the-shoulder touchdown catch on the opening drive. After the successful one-point conversion, Jaguars Elite took a 7-0 lead. Their defense then held Showtime scoreless during a crucial drive before halftime.
In the second half, Jaguars Elite extended their lead on a 15-yard touchdown catch by Ry’land Williams off a double-lateral play.
Late in the game, Brysen Wright made a one-handed pass breakup that forced a turnover on downs, sealing the shutout victory. Wright gained national attention earlier in the tournament with a remarkable one-handed touchdown catch that drew praise on social media from NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Chad Johnson, and Bijan Robinson. The 14-year-old finished the weekend with 10 touchdowns in seven games.
“It’s just a blessing to come out here and win with my guys and to bring it back to the city,” Wright said. “Getting noticed by NFL players at a young age is already a blessing.”
Jaguars head coach David “Bobo” Price praised both his team and the sport after the game. Price, a 17-year veteran of flag football and a member of the 2021 and 2022 USA Football National Teams, earned a gold medal at The World Games in 2022.
“It’s a fast-paced, exciting, and explosive game,” Price said. “I think players like Brysen will help grow the sport’s visibility.”
In the semifinal games, Jaguars Elite defeated RFP (Bills) 41-12, with Dalton Motes completing 10 of 11 passes for 217 yards and six touchdowns. Brysen Wright caught seven passes for 163 yards, including a 45-yard scoring reception and a 21-yard touchdown on the game’s final play.
Showtime (Falcons) edged High Intensity (49ers) 13-7 in their semifinal match. Januel Morales threw two touchdown passes to Vincenzo Mena and Tyler Bryant. Showtime’s defense held High Intensity scoreless until the game’s final 90 seconds.
Brody Bukich passed for 76 yards and a touchdown for High Intensity. Vohnn Brown caught three passes for 47 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown.
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