Akwesasne Eagles Flag Football Starts Season 4-0

Following a dominating opening season of operation, the Akwesasne Eagles Youth Flag Football club has opened strong once again in the 2012 season. Eagles Team 1, coached by Tsiorasa Barreiro and Dwayne Thomas, stands atop the Northern New York Youth Football League standings with a 4-0 record. Eagles Team 1 opened the season September 1st at Canton and came away with a 35-14 win over the Golden Bears. The following day they traveled to Alcoa Field and defeated Massena Blue 35-7. Eagles 1 home opener was a 49-7 mauling of Massena Red 2 at Generations Field, highlighted by a TD pass from Tehokwirathe Barreiro to Fire Swamp. Team 1’s fourth win came at home last Saturday versus Tri-Town with a score of 42-14. Vaughn Doxtator (1) and Dayne “Dangerous” Thomas (2) both broke through for their first scores of the year.

Through four games, the Eagles Team 1 is led by returning players Tehokwirathe Barreiro, Jett Jock, Fire Swamp, Dayne Thomas, Watsi Silver and Vaughn Doxtator. Barreiro leads the team with 7 rushing and one passing TD. He also has 25 flags pulled on defense and has provided great blocking for teammates. Jett Jock has registered six rushing scores and is a threat to go all the way each time he touches the ball. Jock has pulled 25 flags on defense. Fire Swamp has four rushing scores and one TD reception for 5 total scores to go along with 14 flags on defense. Dayne Thomas has 2 rushing scores and 22 flags through four games. Watsi Silver has played two games and scored an 80 yard TD on the first play of the game vs. Massena Red 2. She is the only girl on the Eagles and has three flags. Vaughn Doxtator scored his first TD versus Tri-Town on a beautifully executed QB keeper from 22 yards out. He has been solid on defense with 10 flags pulled.

First year players on Eagles Team 1 include Karter Jackson (4 flags), Ryder Sunday, Woods Lazore, and Edward Jacobs. All have quickly grasped the concepts and made significant contributions to the team’s strong start.

The Eagles Team 2 is coached by Evan Thompson and Karson Herne.  Rasennes Pembleton helps coach both teams and has served as referee for several games. Pamela Pembleton is manager of the overall Eagles program, whose goal is to expose more Akwesasne youth in grades K-2 to football play and concepts, and send them on to the minor football program in Massena, until such time that Akwesasne can develop its own minor 3/4 and 5/6 tackle program.

Team 2 has won two straight games vs. Tri-Town and Massena to even their record at 2-2. 

Kade Herne leads Eagles 2 with 7 TDs in three games played. Other returning players on team 2 include Bleyton Hopps-Thompson, Raherese Caldwell and Chris Keese. New players include Ronin Oakes, Brody Lehben, River and Calvin Cook, Philip Ransom, Oscar Cook, Louie Oakes, Drey Thompson and Trysen Sunday.

Both teams are on the road until the 2nd Annual Eagles Youth Flag Football Tournament on September 22nd. Eleven youth teams will be competing in the one-day, single elimination tournament to be held at Generations Field. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the tournament and all home games, and cheer on the boys (and girl) as they continue their season.