Five Start Football League To Kickoff Inaugural Season

There are a few Gridiron Elite members that will be kicking off their seasons this weekend in the newly formed Five Star Football League.  The league which has made much noise in the offseason has its kickoff weekend on Saturday and Sunday July 24th and 25th and features 2 former Gridiron Elite Spring Champions (Punishers and Spartans) and the defending Winter Classic Champion Demon Knights.  Tickets for the game are available still for more info go to www.fivestarfo.otballleague.com

Fairfield County Ravens “New” Team

The Connecticut Ravens have established themselves in the 3 years of the Spring Classic as a very disciplined and well ran team.  The players that suit up for the Ravens usually go to other teams after the spring is over.. Not so fast! The Ravens are now members of the New England football League.  They will be competing in the A division as a “new team” although in 3 years of competing in the Gridiron Elite Spring Classic they have compild a winning record.  Good luck to Todd Kennedy and the Ravens in their season.

Gridiron Elite Catching On…

As football season approaches it signals the end of our hiatus and back to the grind of giving the fans on the gridirons of New York and tri state area at large a central location so that fans can track their favorite teams and players can get vital information of whats going on.  Stay tuned as we will continue throughout the season giving you the links and stories pertaining to everything Gridiron Elite.

Mr. Tivo featured in ” The Decision Sequel”

Rarely do you get a chance to meet personalities that would get ratings to skyrocket on the major networks but right in your backyard.  Corey Sage is at it again, this time he is doing a “Lebron” and announcing the team that he will be suiting up via web telecast.  The quarterback that hails out of Brooklyn approached the Gridiron Elite Film crew to do a story on his decision on where to play in the 2010 football season.  As the Elite is always committed to giving players the best experience in Minor League Football, the opportunity to profile a player in such a way was a chance we couldn’t pass up. Part 1 explains the decision process and what where the influences that went into making the decision as Corey shares his thoughts on conversations, text messages and voice mail from players, coaches and even league executives that weigh in on what he should do.  The broadcast is shot on top the historic Brooklyn Bridge, with special guest host Mr. 24 himself and field reporting from Brandon Davis asking folks on the street where they think Corey should play.  The decision part 1 is now up and being viewed at a record pace.  The decision Sequel….. The finale Part 2 coming soon!
 

Spartans Road Trip – Learning the Ways of A Champion

Recently the New York partans took a road trip to Boston, Mass to tour some of the facilities that have made Beantown home to so many great sports stories.  The Crimson visited the ”other Crimson” when they toured Harvard Stadium, one of the oldest college football stadiums in the nation.  The Harvard Crimson, defending Ivy League Champs are poised to defend their crown in 2010.  

The Spartans also toured behind the scenes at Fenway Park, home to the rival Boston Red Sox.  Although a crew of mostly Yankee fans, the Spartans appreciated the history of the 2nd oldest ballpark in the country along with the tradition and pride that the Bostonians have in their home field.

Last on the tour was Gillete Stadium, home of the 3 time Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots.  Besides trying on the equipment and trying on a Super Bowl ring, the Crimson toured the facilities and got up close to the most recognizable trophy in all of sports.  ”This is what it’s all about” said Defensive End Shawn Kellman (97)  ”The trophy, the championship, the ultimate goal, we want to get one this year.”  For more information on the Spartans and their travels visit www.nyspartans.org.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FULL GAME VIDEO HERE!!!

Big Game Lives Up To Hype

The matchup was anticipated by the local experts to be one for the ages.  And it was all of that plus more.  The game was not only competitive, we saw a comeback in the second half and the Bay Knights pulled away only after a furious Blue Devil comeback.  There were big plays, and on both sides of the ball.  Mistakes made were forced by good defense and not lackluster offense including a great athletic play on the second defensive touchdown by the Blue Devils.  Both defenses managed to corral the big play abilities of the quarterbacks for the balance of the game.

The quarterback matchup that we had been waiting for also delivered.  The back and forth affair between the two teams were spearheaded by two of the top signal callers in the area.  Wilson showed that his quick feet in the pocket has added more big play ability.  On 4th and goal from the 31 yard line he made a clutch throw with pinpoint accuracy to the corner of the end zone.  Add in another rushing touchdown the performance by “G-Bloc” is headined as a team and personal comeback story with pressure leading to multiple sacks in the first half.  Wilson shook it off and delivered by turning the tide of momentum in the third quarter. 

Sage was no slouch on this as he was unable to win his second championship in 6 months.  The Blue Devils leaned on their ground game, barely getting off  a single pass well into the second quarter.  The management of the clock did affect “Mr Tivos” stats, but his performance in the second half had the near capacity crowd on the edge of their seats.  His late scoring run was typical Tivo highlight footage.  And although he was unable to get the ball in his hands with the game on the line, we look forward to seeing Corey on the gridiron again very soon.  

The game atmosphere was great as well.  The staff at Kings Bay field handled the big game with courtesy and 1st class service.  The Knishes and pretzels were endless and the cheeseburgers stayed sizzling until well after the trophy had been hoisted.  Both sides of Kings Bay field were filled with onlookers, and as the night sky served as a backdrop, the lights of the stadium had served as a highlight to what we all enjoy about minor league football.

Photos By Frank Bettis

Classic Ending For Amazing Spring

The championship game did justice to what has been an amazing spring tournament.  Besides raising some much needed funds for youth leagues across the area, the classic provided a kickoff to the season that has signaled the official start to New York area minor league football for three years now.  The faces of the players have become more recognizeable and the game is getting exposure that has not been seen in quite some time. 

From what started as a cool idea to get teams prepared for their own seasons has become a season in itself.  The spring classic has featured some classic battles and teams that are making noise as some of the premier programs in the area.  We saw multiple overtime games, high scoring affairs, and seeseaw games.  Upsets and surprises as fresh faces have emerged as players who are going to make headlines for years to come.

There have already been teams that have applied for year four.  The field will be expanded and the addition of another host site seems inevitable.  A spring tradition has been born and is alive and well in the tri state area.  In the future what can yoou expect from the Gridiron Elite.  Well, in year 3 we introduced the East Coast All Star Game that served as a kickoff to the spring classic.  Complete with on field camera and player interviews and highlights along with full game coverage.  Twitter and facebook have also been added to the arsenal as places you can go to get updates on games.  The championship game also had in booth live streaming of the commentary from the game and three cameras that gave you footage that has not been seen on this level in this area.  We will continue to raise the bar and bring you the most tri state football programs than you can even handle.  The Elite is making major moves… Here is a glimpse…

Gridiron Elite Adult Amateur Football -

Winter Classic (Nov/Dec 2010)

Gridiron Membership Highlights (NY Spartans, NY Bandits, Nassau Punishers, LI Panthers, ES Demon Knights, Brooklyn Blue Devils, and others regular season and playoff action)  Ask how to become a member team today!

East Coast All Star Classic (2011)

Gridiron Elite High School Player Development -

Guerrilla Combine – Youth and High School Development

Northeast Elite Collegiate Football Team

Gridiron Elite Superprep League

7 on 7 High School Challenge (August 22nd 2010) 

Gridiron Elite Youth Football 

Gridiron Elite Youth Football League (GEYFL)

Photo By Frank Bettis

Bay Knights Win Championship in a Memorable Battle 28-18

The stands were packed, the lins freshly painted, and the burgers were cooking and with that the battle began.  The hype behind this 3rd Championship game lived up to its billing but not the way many of the experts picked. 

  

The Blue Devils drew first blood in the Brooklyn battle but it wasn’t the high powered offenses that were dicussed all week, it w defense as the Blue Devils took advantage of a high snap that Gerald Wilson couldn’t reel in, scooped and scored making the score 6-0 Blue Devils.  The Bay night counter punch came shortly after.  A long drive that reached deep into Blue Devil territory was punched in from the 3 yard line by Genero Maduro.

The Blue Devil defense responded again.  With the offense running the ball with efficiency, the Devils pinned the Bay Knights deep in their own end.  Wilson had pressure and his throw was deflected on the line and intercepted.   #1 Yves Delva grabbed the ball out of the air and pushed his way pass the goal line giving the Blue Devils the lead again 12-7.   The Bay Knights managed to drive but another turnover secured a halftime leade for the Devils.   

The Bay Knight offense responded.  After some big passing plays that put the Bay Knights in great field position the Blue Devils defense held and pushed the Bay Knights back to a very difficult 4th and goal from the 31 yard line.  Gerald Wilson dropped back and shuffled around the pocket before launching a bomb that found #33 Mike Gode for a touchdown.  Bay Knights took the lead 14-12.  The Bay Knights would extend their lead in a very entertaining quarter with short touchdown run that extended the lead to 21-12.  The Blue Devils would not go away though as Corey Sage aka “Mr Tivo” took to the air and drove the Blue Devils down the field.  He then used his legs to scramble and when reaching the front pile on leaped into the end zone to make the score 21-18. 

Championship moments like this are rare.  The Bay Knights had the ball and control of their own destiny and championship hopes.  The Bay Knight offense would deliver again, sealing the game with a Gerald Wilson touchdown run.  This one would go into the books 28-18.  After the game Head Coach Tony Spina spoke of his team and championship, “These guys started competing last year, we have always played together, but we set a goal and they did it.  These are some great guys and they deerve it.”  The Bay Knights were presented with the championship trophy by Jim Simpson of the Long Iland Ravens, and David Patterson of the New York Spartans.  The winners of the first two tournaments respectively.  The third Gridiron Elite Spring Classic is in the books and the Kings Bay Knights are crowned champions. 

KINGS BAY KNIGHTS CROWNED CHAMPIONS

Congrats to the Kings Bay Knights as they became the 3rd annual Spring Classic Champions.  To Tony Spina and the Bay Knight players and staff a job well done.  Stay tuned for full video and article coverage of tonights game.

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