ESYFL Championships- Mandarin Athletic Association is an historic park in this area that’s known for its winning tradition. So it was no surprise to many when they advanced to the ESYFL Spring Championships. There they would face an up and coming park in CYAA ( Creating Young Adults through Athletics) that has certainly made a name for themselves in the city. Great leadership and community support fuel these associations, and that fuel ignites a flame in the hearts of the players when they take the field. The players don’t just play for themselves or family, but they play for the colors they dawn on their chests. With that type of purpose, you can count on a passionate game being played; and on Sunday it was!
CYAA had a talented group of athletes and it was proven early on in the plays that they made. Their Quarterback #7 was long and limber, standing tall in the pocket and making strong throws to his receivers. Their Running back #5 had speed and elusiveness to make plays in the open field. 
Their receivers were very athletic and provided big targets for the QB to make plays. All this translated into an early lead for CYAA as they scored first 6-0 in the first quarter.Mandarin would respond quickly, as #16 scored their first touchdown of the day. The touchdown tied the game 6-6 late in the first quarter.
After the two teams traded scores, the defenses began to make plays. It was the start of a break out performance by the Tigers as their versatile group of players began to make plays all over the field. They frustrated CYAA receivers, and got after the quarterback on defense. Costly turnovers plagued CYAA and paved the way for #5 Sterling Jones who ran wild in the second half. A Jones dive up the middle put Mandarin up 12-6, and then a long score by Jones put his team up 18-6 in the 4th. CYAA attempted to make a play through the air but Waters, the Tiger defender took a late interception to the house to stamp the victory for his team. Mandarin was crowned D1 ESYFL Pee Wee 8 on 8 Champions, another trophy to add to the prominent park’s display case.
