The Central Virginia Hurricanes AAU football team reached the pinnacle of success on December 13 when they brought home a National Championship by defeating the Columbia Elite Junior Bearcats 42-24.
It is the culmination of a lot of hard work for an AUU program that is young, just four years old. The U10 team, that is just in its second season, reached the top.
“The success showed the kids that we can play anybody, anywhere,” said coach Wayne Jennings. “One day they will be called upon to beat someone big, and they’ll be battle tested.”
While Jennings said that it was difficult for him to pick standouts on a team that was completely loaded with talent, a few names came up in the conversation.
Quarterback Cody Shelton: Jennings called him a “great quarterback” with a strong arm and a high IQ for the position
Running Back Donovan Woods: Jennings called Woods a hard runner that really came along this season, Woods is from the Wells football district.
Running Back Michael Dabney Jr.: Jennings called Dabney “Electricifying” and said that he was the type of back that does the things that makes the crowd ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’- he makes people miss.
Other standouts included LB/RB Franklin Turner, WR/CB C.J. Tuck and offensive lineman C.J. Olds, Joshua Jeter and Jimmy Uzzle.
The Central Virginia Hurricanes offer 8, 10, 12 and 14U AAU football program. This year, the 8U and 14U were national runner-ups. The children that participate in the program are largely from the Chester/Chesterfield county area and many will attend Thomas Dale, L.C. Bird, Matoaca, or Manchester. There are some children from southern areas, such as Prince George. So, the talent you see on the field with the Hurricanes will evolve into those you’ll watch on Friday night in four years.
