By: Anna Glenn Grove
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – March 6, 2021 – Team Tennessee made their first appearance as a member of the new AAU League of Champions., an 11-week league that allows the players to compete each week and develop their skills at a quicker rate with a full spring season.
Team TN Black made a statement early in the morning with a win over Playmakers Maroon, but were unable to find their footing on the defensive side of the ball against their following two opponents. Class of 2021 quarterback Christian Link delivered a long touchdown pass on the first play of game two that encouraged him on what the rest of the season could look like.
“It felt amazing to get a touchdown and I know that’s a big confidence boost to us and it really takes a lot of confidence away from the other team when you score on the first play, especially a deep ball,” Link said.
Though the early touchdown wasn’t enough to keep the momentum going, Team TN Black players and coaches said they are confident they can make those big plays in Atlanta at the 7th Annual YPL Elite Southern Showdown next weekend.
Team TN Gunmetal proved themselves as an energetic bunch throughout afternoon play. Their quick-paced offense was connecting one play after the other especially with standout Parker Kirkpatrick making crucial catches for his team.
“We get out here and have fun together. It’s like a family,” Kirkpatrick said.
Both teams showed growth from the previous weekend’s tournament in Gatlinburg, Tenn., but there is still a lot of work to be done as Atlanta approaches in just one short week. Head coach Corey Alexander told his team that they need to work on communicating with one another and eliminating mental errors.
“As a coach, I’ve got to go back and look at any film we have and look at our depth and our depth chart and see where we made mistakes, how I can better coach them in technique and get them in the right positions to be successful,” Alexander said.
These adjustments will be made in the coming days as both 7v7 teams will look to leave their mark in Atlanta.