Day 1 of the IMG 7v7 Southeast Regional. Tampa Bay traveled south with three elite teams. All who played well in pool play action today. Saturday started with the highly anticipated match up between Team Tampa and Unsigned Preps.
The returning champs started off slow and flat, allowing Unsigned Preps to strike first and build momentum. Not that Unsigned Preps needed a confident booster, but scoring first and fast against the crosstown opponent and retuning champ was a “shot in the arm.” Both teams would go back and forth with scores and defensive stops. Unsigned Preps QB, Deiondre Porter was steady and Team Tampa QB, Chase Litton was strong late in the contest. Unsigned Preps would win this one 19-16 on their way to a 3-1 overall record for the day.
Here are Day 1 player observations.
Disclaimer: I did not see each game for each Tampa Bay team. Jumped around from field to field trying to catch as much as possible. SO SOME PLAYERS COULD HAVE DONE GREAT AND WILL NOT GET MENTIONED due to lack of time spent watching.
Day 1 records
Unsigned Preps, 3-1
Team Tampa 2, 3-1
Team Tampa, 2-2
UNSIGNED PREPS
QB DEIONDRE PORTER, JEFFERSON
Consistent throughout the day. Threw the ball extremely well, showing good touch and ball placement.
WR DEON CAIN, TAMPA BAY TECH
Super athletic. Starting to emerge as a rising star for Unsigned Preps. Made a number of critical catches to keep the chains moving.
WR NATE CRAIG, PASCO
In game four, it looked as though Craig was about to “Go off.” Showed he could make any catch, anywhere. Showed elite speed and body control.
ATH RAY-RAY McCLOUD, SICKLES
Swift and nimble. Made a number of third down catches to keep drives alive for the offense and even played some CB.
WR MALIK JOHNS, PASCO
When Deon Thompson went down in game one do to injury, Malik Johns took over. Became the “YAC [Yards after catch]” guy for Unsigned Preps.
ASLO
CB CHAVEZ POWNELL, JEFFERSON
CB ROBERT PRIESTER, ROBINSON
ATH DERRICK INGRAM, JEFFERSON
TEAM TAMPA
WR JOC ELLISON, LAKEWOOD
Second best WR on the day for the Tampa Bay teams. Did what ever was needed to keep the chains moving. Fast and soft hands. Made the QBs look good.
RB KEITH HARRINGTON, NORTHEAST
The defense made the mistake of underestimating Harrington. He was like a run away cat all day. They couldn’t catch him.
WR ARTAVIS SCOTT, EAST LAKE
Played like a national recruit. Ran past defenders, caught the ball over them and proved his national ranking.
QB CHASE LITTON, WHARTON
I saw more of Litton than any other QB. If I had to ranked them, Litton would likely be #1. Threw some balls that were just a thing of beauty. Displayed his arm strength and accuracy all day.
QB ALEX McGOUGH , GAITHER
Made the most noise of any of the Tampa Bay kids today. By game 3, spectators, scouts and IMG staff were asking about him. Looked like a big time QB and threw the ball the same way.
ALSO
DB DEVIN ABRAHAM, EAST LAKE
ATH RYAN DAVIS, NORTHEAST
CB CHRIS JACKSON, NORTHEAST
WR AUSTIN GALLON, ARMWOOD
TEAM TAMPA 2
WR TYRAE BOYKINS, LAKEWOOD
Sure handed is the best way to describe him. Was money all day and was one cut and up the field.
WR REGGIE CAMPBELL, LARGO
You can never tell if Reggie is having a good time. His facial expression is the same all the time. Makes a big play and goes right back to the huddle. Light celebration.
WR DERIUS DAVIS, ALONSO
Caught the ball well and was the recipient of some key TD passes. Showed athleticism and gamesmanship.
WR ANTHONY KING, HILLSBOROUGH
Biggest surprise on the team. Showed he belonged with big boys and played bigger than his name. He and QB, Dwayne Lawson took over their final game connecting several times for first downs, TDs and extra points.
DB NATE FERGUSON, HILLSBOROUGH
Whether Nate made a mistake or made a great play, he was at full speed. Continues to improve each time he hits the field. I saw one interception and several pass break ups.
ALSO
QB DWAYNE LAWSON, HILLSBOROUGH
WR DARQUEZ WATSON, LAKEWOOD
The IMG7v7 Southeast Regional Championship will resume tomorrow morning, with double-elimination tournament play beginning at 9:00 a.m. on IMG Academy’s West Campus.
The event is open to the public and admission is free.
Tomorrow’s full schedule:
Team Warmups: 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Bracket Play: 9:00 a.m. – 4:10 p.m.
Awards Ceremony: 4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Final Seeding: No. 1 – Central Florida Top Recruits; No. 2 – Florida Fire; No. 3 – Strong Arm Athletics; No. 4 – Red Zone Elite; No. 5 – Team Tampa Too; No. 6 – Unsigned Preps; No. 7 – Team Tampa; No. 8 – South Florida Express Elite; No. 9 – South FL Blur; No. 10 – River City Kings; No. 11 – South Florida Express Pro; No. 12 – Team 239; No. 13 – Belle Glade; No. 14 – Pro Impact.