The much anticipated 2019 YALD Championship game is here. Both the Panthers and the Giants organizations have had a grueling yet successful season and have earned the right to play in this game. Nor’easter like conditions was predicted for the game but Mother Nature cooperated, and we ended up with a very light haze. Both teams were on the field early, strategizing and preparing for the game ahead.

After both teams shared possessions that produced no points, the Giants quarterback Michael Rodriguez connected with regular season Co-MVP Sean Carter for the games first score. Michael Rodriguez, who went 21-34 threw his second touchdown to Anthony De Los Santos. Game was 12-0 at that point but the Panthers came roaring back. Mason Rivera, who had a game high 10 receptions, help set up the first score when Joel Ramirez found the end zone. Extra point attempt was no good and the score was 12-6 at halftime. The Panthers came out with a defensive mindset for the second half. Veterans Miguel Angel Grullon and Mason Rivera came up with key stops in critical moments preventing the Giants from scoring. With two minutes to go, facing a third and very long, Coach Adalberto Fernandez came up with the biggest play call of the game. Quarterback Francisco Correa lateraled the ball to Bryan Cruz who in turn found Francisco for not only a first down but with the ball near the red zone. Francisco Correa then found Joel Ramirez for his second touchdown tying the game at 12. Joel Ramirez then caught ensuing extra point attempt giving the Panthers the 13-12 lead. The Giants were then stopped on the following possession and the Panthers won their second championship in three years. Congratulations to the entire Panthers organization on a well-deserved victory.

Written by: Kelvin Valentin, Program Director