USF 2008 Sling & Shoot has Exciting Finish

This year's Sling & Shoot 7-on-7 competition came to a conclusion on Sunday when Plant High School defeated Atlantic Del Ray in an exciting finale. Here is a summary of the championship game and a list of prospects that stood out over the weekend of football

Over 1100 players, with families and coaches invaded the Bull’s campus for day two of the USF Sling & Shoot & Big Man challenge. Once again they played through the heat and rain while participating in what is becoming one of the largest camps in Florida.

The day started early for the 46 teams that came from all over the state to compete in the 7-on-7 passing tournament. The teams began the final cross pool seeding at 8:00am this morning with each team playing one game. The 250 kids in the big man challenge got to watch their teammates before they began their morning session shortly after 9:30 am.

During the last game of the cross pool seeding, all eyes were on the final two unbeaten teams Plant and Dr. Phillips with Plant coming out 5-0. The teams began the single elimination tournament at 11am, and the competition was fierce as the field reduced with every round of play. There were great games and several upsets as the teams played through the rain and whittled down to the final four that consisted of Plant vs. North Marion, and Jefferson vs. Atlantic Del Ray.

In the semi final match ups, Plant beat North Marion with another air show by Aaron Murray, Orson Charles, and Calvin Sampson. While Del Ray Atlantic defeated last years winner Jefferson with a strong performance by Jayron Hosley who scored every point in the game, 2 TD’s, a 2pt conversion, and 3pts for an interception, and also had two passes defended, one that would have tied the game.

Finally after a long day of football under the hot sun and rain, the championship game was played shortly after 3 pm Sunday, and it was a game worth waiting for.

Atlantic opened the scoring on the first drive with a touchdown strike to Jayron Hosley, but missed the extra point (6-0 Atlantic). On the next possession Murray went 0-4 passing and turned the ball over on downs. On the ensuing drive Eric Dungy, son of Indianapolis head Coach Tony Dungy intercepted a pass making the score 6-3 Atlantic.

Murray then drove the field and found his favorite target Orson Charles who scored and also got the extra point for Plants first lead 10-6.

Atlantic answered right back with another touchdown strike to Hosley but missed the conversion for a 12-10 lead for Atlantic.

Plant responded with a Murray touchdown to his other favorite target Calvin Sampson who also scored on the conversion (18-12 Plant)

With time winding down under the final minute Atlantic tied the game at 18 all with a touchdown to James Lewis. But with seconds remaining missed the conversion and sent the game into OT.

Atlantic got the ball first, scored a touchdown, and got the 1pt conversion by Hosley for a 25-18 lead. Plant answered with a touchdown and then decided to go for 2pts and the win. With the game on the line, Murray didn’t disappoint and found his mark in the back of the end zone, and a 26-25 victory.

During the trophy presentation, Plant Head Coach Robert Weiner thanked Coach Mike Canales who did an incredible job of organizing the event, and added, “We’ve now won the premier passing camp in the state of Florida.”

Overall the two day camp was a huge success, with plenty of talent, competition, and loads of fun for everyone involved.


2008 sling and Shoot Champions Plant HS



2008 Sling & Shoot Runner-up Atlantic Delray HS



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