Articles by: The Duke

2012 Duke Grant Magazine Top Ranked Defense: 8U Edgewood Steelers (Gold)

Here’s how I see it…

The best of them all! Our number one ranked defense goes to the 8U Edgewood Steelers (Gold); this bone shaking defense carries the same sense of  toughness as the NFL’s Pittsburg Steelers. The Edgewood Steelers won their games gracefully; they didn’t always have to blow another team out to get a decent win. They had one of the best scoring defenses in the league, never letting a game get out of hand. The Steelers defensive line was like a brick wall, you just couldn’t get pass them.  Soon after the opening whistle they quickly proved to the opposing teams that running the ball would not work.  The pass rush was leathal so quarterbacks who tried to throw deep found themselves flat on the turf.

This defense was clutch, always able to make stops in sticky situations and march to the victory. Like many others on the top ten lists the Edgewood Steelers won the UCYFL championship but this team finished undefeated in the UCYFL.  There were several outstanding defenses in the UCYFL but all things being equal, it is the opinion of Duke Grant Magazine that this defense is greatest of them all.  Congratualtions 8U Edgewood Steelers (Gold).

The Don

Donovan Erskine

The Don of Duke Grant Sports!

Donovan P. Erskine is a 14 year old aspiring sports journalist.

The P4P 2nd Ranked Defense in the UCYFL : 11U Fallston Cougars (Blue)

How “The Don Sees it”

The 11U Fallson Cougars (Blue) are truly one of the best teams in the league.  Even when the offense didn’t  score many points, the Cougar defense seemed to play a major role in helping their team win games. The Cougars methodical defense would treat every team the same and they made it look nature or sometimes even easy.  The Cougars were very good at pass defense since it seemed the linemen were always in the quarterbacks face, forcing a move.

The Fallston defense was also skilled at finishing plays and tackles. This group of athletes had to fight their way to the top to be ranked ahead of a bunch of other talented teams. Riding on their defense, this team earned a trip to the 11U UCYFL title game where they would defeat the 11U Edgewood Steelers (Gold), a team they beat earlier in the season.  

“Future” is a very meaningful word when it comes to the Cougar organization, because next season holds a lot of promise. And who knows, maybe they can work their way to a number 1 spot on the top ten ranked defenses in the UCYFL next season.

And that’s how I see it.

Donovan P. Erskine

The Don of Duke Grant Sports

Donovan P. Erskine is a 14 year old aspiring sports journalist.

 

How “The Don” Sees It…

Tough, Fast and Smart…The 3rd Ranked 10U Perry Hall Gators showed a hot and versitile defense.  Time after time the Gators gave the business to all of the teams they faced.  They formed the habit of forcing turnovers on multiple occasions and rarely allowing their opponents to score.  When playing on foriegn soil the 10U Perry Hall Gators (Gold) were completely unaffected, showing that they could perform on any stage.  

With an offense led by a strong running game and a skilled offensive line, opening gaps for the agile runners to manuever, the defense consistently dominated its opponents.  The Gators only came up on the losing side once during the season against the Cecil County Jaguars (Black), the very team they met up with again in the Upper Chesapeake Youth Football League Title-winning game.  The future for the Perry Hall Gators is bright if they keep up with their explosive action-packed defense. 

And that’s how I see it.

Donovan P. Erskine

The Don of Duke Grant Sports

Donovan P. Erskine is a 14 year old aspiring sports journalist.