SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Aug. 21, 2015

Returning to Birmingham, Ala., the 9th annual Southern Championship saw 29 teams compete in five divisions with seven champions crowned by the time the sun went down on the damp fields of the Liberty Park Sports Complex. Though the tournament began with great weather, the last day of play was interrupted by roaring thunder and heavy rain.

     Tournament Director Otis Rowland said that “Around the third round, it poured on us. I never heard thunder like that. There were some delays, but we were able to complete the tournament once the rain stopped.”

     “I always enjoy going to Birmingham,” said Rowland, “The players always have a great attitude and, like in previous years, the teams were well-matched and there was an abundance of very close games.” In fact, of the 92 games played, 12 games were decided by one run.

     The 55/60 Silver division showcased the competitive nature of the tournament with the Boys of Summer rising out of the ashes of the elimination bracket after their first tough loss to T.A.G. 19-17. Mowing down By Grace Redeemed 18-11, Boys of Summer delivered a devastating loss to T.A.G. 28-22 only to be bested in the only “If” game of the tournament 22-11.

     The 55/60 Gold division also saw some first-rate ball play with Edge II and GA/AL Seniors/GAS doing their best to topple a strong DT Express Squad.  Despite Edge II’s early, close loss to GA/AL Seniors/GAS 24-25, they managed to climb their way out of the elimination bracket with strong wins against J.R. Smith 26-11 and GA/AL Seniors/GAS 23-14 respectively. In the end, DT Express remained unshakable and undefeated, beating Edge II 25-15 to take the division title.

     For complete results of the tournament, please CLICK HERE to visit the Southern Championships Homepage.