SportzFarm All-Star Weekend: Route 8 Boyz 12U Notes

The Route 8 Boyz made the trip South from Connecticut to Atlantic City, and continued to prove the narrative true that there is quality football being played in New England at all levels. The skill position talent was outstanding and some of the lineman certainly opened some eyes as well. Take a look below.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Headliners</h2>    One of the best 12U Wide Receivers of the entire tournament, [player_tooltip player_id='2165958' first='Quemahji' last='Murray'] was a treat to watch. The 2030 prospect showed off an advanced knowledge of how to play the WR position, as he made several miraculous catches and found the end zone numerous times. In the most impressive play I saw him make on the weekend, Murray went up one-handed and brought down a 2-point conversion in the back corner of the end zone during the Route 8 Boyz opening round victory.     Despite some less than ideal conditions during the opening game of the tournament, [player_tooltip player_id='2165971' first='William' last='Gainey'] persevered through and made some very nice throws. One of four team captains, Gainey showed off a very strong arm and routinely put the ball where it needed to be. Arguably Gainey's top play of the weekend came against The Unit out of Massachusetts, where he dropped a 25-yard teardrop for a touchdown into the hands of the aforementioned [player_tooltip player_id='2165958' first='Quemahji' last='Murray'].     A starter at both Running Back and Defensive End, [player_tooltip player_id='2165991' first='Samir' last='Kipping'] had a big hand in helping the Route 8 Boyz have a successful tournament on both sides of the ball. A big, powerful and bruising runner, Kipping moved extremely well for a bigger back throughout the weekend. In the opening game against 4Eva Elite 12U, Kipping used his unassuming speed to rumble for a touchdown the sideline, outrunning everyone else on the field.     The Route 8 Boyz clearly had a ton of talented 2030 and 2031 prospects on the roster -- especially at the Linebacker position. Shakir was one of those prospects that really shined come game time. He moved exceptionally well laterally and shuffled his feet with great quickness. As an Outside Linebacker, Shakir did a nice job of keeping his outside shoulder free towards the boundary. What stood out to me about Shakir was just how strong he was at the point of contact. In one-on-one collisions he kept his feet moving and secured a lot of tackles.     Another Linebacker off the Route 8 Boyz team that had a really strong showing was Middle Linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id='2166046' first='Andrew' last='Loehn']. Loehn was an immediate eye test-passer with his build. Adequate muscle mass, a strong frame and ver good overall athleticism. Loehn did a really good job of playing down hill and attacking the line of scrimmage. Played relentlessly when getting a sniff of the ball carrier, there wasn't much that was going to stop him from making a tackle.     Of the trio of Linebackers that shined for the Route 8 Boyz 12U team, [player_tooltip player_id='2166064' first='Ja'Don' last='Ferguson'] was the smallest; However, he was also the quickest. Built more like a Cornerback than anything else, Ferguson used his speed to keep contain as an Outside Linebacker. On more than one tackle, he lowered and changed his levels like a pro, in order to make a a one-on-one tackle in space.     While the skill guys certainly did their thing, points don't get on the board unless the big dudes up front do their job. The starter at Left Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2166106' first='Jomar' last='Rodriguez'] did an excellent job of using his mass to drive the opposition out of the hole for his backs. Rodriguez was very strong at the POC and looked excellent in run blocking.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eye-Catchers</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2166128' first='Antwan' last='Lewis'] | Route 8 Boyz #3 | 2030 - Lewis was a true weapon for the Route 8 Boyz at the SportzFarm All-Star Weekend with his ability to play multiple positions at a high level. I was most impressed with his defensive skills in the secondary, but he also took reps at Wide Receiver and Quaeterback.   [player_tooltip player_id='2166151' first='Noah' last='Vazquez'] | Route 8 Boyz #55 | 2031 - The starter at Center for the Route 8 Boyz, Vazquez was rock-solid in the middle of the O-Line. One of the taller linemen up front, he was well-proportioned and looks ready to put on a ton of size as he moves forward.   Noah Concepcion | Route 8 Boyz #0 | 2031 - As mentioned throughout this write up, the skill position players for the Route 8 Boyz were a very deep group. Another prospect of note is WR/DB Noah Concepcion. Not the biggest kid by any stretch, but had reliable hands and looked the part.   [player_tooltip player_id='2166176' first='Quinn' last='Foy'] | Route 8 Boyz #2 | 2030 - Rounding out the standouts from the Route 8 Boyz 12U team, [player_tooltip player_id='2166176' first='Quinn' last='Foy'] is another ATH that the Nutmeg State needs to keep an eye on. Played QB during the regular season but shined in the secondary during this tournament. Much like [player_tooltip player_id='2166128' first='Antwan' last='Lewis'], Foy is a plug-and-play skill position guy.

The Route 8 Boyz made the trip South from Connecticut to Atlantic City, and continued to prove the narrative true that there is quality football being played in New England at all levels. The skill position talent was outstanding and some of the lineman certainly opened some eyes as well. Take a look below.