Pride Football Club of Forney, Texas, defeated the DeSoto Steelers, 46-14, to become the 2013 Youth Cotton Bowl Classic Champions and remain undefeated in their 2013 regular season, 7-0.
Pride Football Club of Forney, Texas, defeated the DeSoto Steelers, 46-14, to become the 2013 Youth Cotton Bowl Classic Champions and remain undefeated in their 2013 regular season, 7-0.
The two teams took to the football field during the State Fair of Texas at the Cotton Bowl for the 1st Annual Cotton Bowl Classic. “Pride took control of the game early and dominated throughout,” said Pride Head Coach Don Vrana. Going into halftime, Pride already racked up 34 points to the Steelers 6.
The Rideaux brothers, Aaron and Devon, each scored two touchdowns and led the team in scoring. Quarterback Sam Vrana threw one of each of their touchdown passes. Aaron ran for his other touchdown and Devon returned an interception for his other touchdown.
Jacob Rather and Jaire Moore each scored rushing touchdowns behind offensive lineman Preston Miller and Ray Yates. Defensive specialist Jermaine Gardner joined in the scoring with a fumble recovery he returned for a 55-yard touchdown.
Donavan “Tank” Graham completed several point after attempts with the help of placeholder Troy Tubby. “The defense was led by O-D All-Americans Cameron Harris, Willie Thomas, Blake Barron, and James Marthe,” said Vrana. “The Pride defense has not allowed a team to score more than 15 points since October of 2011.”
"This is a special group of young football players. Over the last three years in regular season and playoffs, they have complied a 41-1 win-loss record while competing against some of the best teams in the country,” said Vrana.
The Pride Football Club will take a few weeks off before preparing for the upcoming tournament season. The Pride has accepted invitations to play tournaments in Texas, Louisiana, and the O-D National Championships in Orlando, Florida.