MILTON — Two coaches from Milton’s Gold Midgets 12U football team reflected on a 9-2 season capped with a 9-6 championship win on Nov. 19.
The team initially started 1-2 before having an eight-game winning streak, according to Steve Williams, the assistant coach and offensive coordinator.
“We really didn’t change anything from what we were doing when we were 1-2,” he said. “The kids just worked hard and focused on fundamentals. The kids continued to stay disciplined.”
Head Coach David Andrews agreed.
“They did not quit and they fought hard to the end,” he said.
Another factor in the team’s success was their maturity and how they handled field miscues, the coaches said.
“You never heard a kid get down on another kid,” Williams said. “They are a supportive group.”
Williams said the team’s offense made strides in the playoffs.
“In our first playoff game (against Perdido), we won in a dramatic fashion,” he said. “Quarterback Emory Williams hit Will Weekley on a 50-yard touchdown pass with less than two minutes to go in the game to win that game.”
The team’s defense also made strides by creating a safety during their semi-final game and the championship game.
“It’s indicative of a very aggressive defense,” Williams said.
The championship win against a Pensacola team occurred on a cold, windy night at Gulf Breeze High School, according to Williams.
Once, we got a safety from Brodie Gillis,” Williams said. “The offensive line and defensive line really stood out.”
Williams said players typically battling on the line of scrimmage get little fanfare. He credited the play of Brandon Thrasher, Raymond Cottrell, Gavin French and Cody Faulk, among others.
He also credited the game’s most valuable player, Weekley, who contributed at running back for the Midgets.
Emory Williams, Weekley and Cottrell were also named to an all-star team, Williams said.
Andrews praised the team for this season’s success.
“They played together as a whole unit,” he said.
Both coaches said they appreciate the support of coaching staff, parents and Guy Thompson Community Center personnel.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'They did not quit'