The 11 to 12-year old Apalachin Raiders football team won their Super Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Spencer Van Etten High School versus the Whitney Point Eagles, with a final score of 40-28. Pictured is the 32-member team and coaches.
The 11 to 12-year old Apalachin Raiders football team won their Super Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Spencer Van Etten High School versus the Whitney Point Eagles, with a final score of 40-28.
The Raider Nation celebrated another Super Bowl win this season, putting Apalachin on the map once again. The 11 to 12-year old Raiders football team defeated the Whitney Point Eagles 40-28 under the lights at the Spencer Van Etten High School on Saturday evening, Oct. 25.
A total of 32 players made up the 11 to 12 year old team, including thirteen 12 year olds and 19 11-year olds. Head Coach Steve Bundy shared, “Early on in the season they made a goal to get to the Super Bowl, and they did it.” A mix of hard work, determination, dedication and sportsmanship, with help from several coaches and a supportive community of family and friends, all played a factor in the Super Bowl win.
For the thirteen 12-year olds, most of who have played since they were five and six years old starting with flag football, the end result of winning the Super Bowl is an exciting accomplishment. The Raiders set the tone by scoring first, and with a score of 26-14 at the half, the Eagles remained competitive. Bundy commented, “It was pretty evenly matched.”
Twelve-year old players from the Apalachin Raiders football team pose for a photo. The Apalachin Raiders 11 to 12-year old team won their Super Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 25.
A victory celebration on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26, included a special escort by the Apalachin Fire Department from Apalachin Elementary School to their home field at Stephens Memorial Park, where players, family and friends gathered for a bonfire and refreshments.
Bundy’s words he shared at the end of last year’s season still reflect the mission of the league today. He said, “Apalachin Youth Football League (AYFL) inspires kids to play to the best of their ability and have fun, while also teaching them some valuable life lessons along the way.”
AFYL players finish at age 12, and Bundy believes they leave taking valuable experience with them, a stepping-stone for whatever they choose to do next.
Another great season on the books for the AYFL included the nine and ten-year old team who made it to the playoffs, and the seven and eight-year old team who finished with a good record as well. And the Raiderette’s, the Raider’s cheerleaders A and B squads, proved they are also hard-working teams, bringing home two medals from their October competition.
Even if you are not part of the “Raider Nation,” it’s easy to tell that there is something special happening at Stephens Memorial Park. Drive by the field on any given day there is practice or a game, and you can just sense the energy and enthusiasm. Although the playing season has ended, the Raider Nation will gather one more time for an awards banquet on Nov. 7.
