The Pylon 7v7 circuit made its way to Orlando over the weekend and saw some of the top teams in the country line it up.
While traditional Florida powers were considered the tournament favorites, it was actually New Jersey-based program Next Level Greats that showed up to the Sunshine State and captured the tournament title.
“This was a statement for us because we’ve been coming down to Florida and getting our ass kicked,” said head coach Marcus Hammond said. “Traditionally, the first tournament of the year, we try to have it in Florida. Every year, we lose. The one thing that was different this year was experience.”
Next Level Greats used that experience to its advantage.
Day 1 of the tournament saw a completely dominant performance from Next Level Greats as they garnered the No. 1 overall seed. NLG didn’t let up from there.
A potent and methodical offense helped NLG control the clock and put up enough points every game to top the team in front of it. Next Level Greats didn’t lose a single game in Orlando.
“We try to run real concepts, so they understand how to play the game,” Hammond said. “I think that’s the biggest difference. Everybody else tries to take their most athletic guys and make splash plays. Our playbook came straight from college coaches. It’s all real concepts. When you have talent and good scheme, it all works out.”
Having a lights out defense helps as well.
Almost every team that faced NLG had extremely tough time putting points on the board. Led by highly touted defensive backs Darian Chestnut and Alijah Clark, NLG topped Domo in the championship game with a shutout.
“This defense is the best we’ve ever had,” Hammond said. “We’ve got guys that are going to the NFL, and this is by far the best defense we’ve ever had. Everybody on this defense was here last year except our nickel back. Duce Chestnut, Alijah Clark and Jayden Brown can play anywhere. You move them around based on matchup. It works out.”
As mentioned, Domo made a run to the finals before running into the elite level NLG defense. The Southeast program actually had two teams in the semifinals, which is a tremendous accomplishment for such a loaded event.
Carolina Stars were the other semifinalists. While NLG had the most complete team, Carolina Stars had an embarrassment of riches on its roster, including four-star wide receiver Gavin Blackwell, who earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-America Game at the tournament, and Alabama quarterback commit Drake Maye.
Florida Fire, last year’s tournament champion, was the favorite to win it all again this year. However, Fire was bounced out by Domo relatively early.
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