DETROIT - In 2014, the game ended in a Hail Mary. In 2015, three overtimes. So it was only fitting that the Detroit Police Athletic League 14U title game end in another instant classic between the Detroit Spartans and West Seven Rams: two of the premier programs in the city. The Spartans prevailed once again, 24-16, winning its third A-Team title in a row, in front of a large crowd at Ford Field.
"We are blessed, and we work hard," head coach Dedrick Griffin said. "I always tell the kids to keep following the process, and to keep fighting. Whatever is going to happen at the end of the game is going to happen. Our kids fought, and played great defense. We stressed defense all year, and I am so proud of them."
The Spartans (11-0) defense held strong on two consecutive Rams possessions late in the game, both with the ball inside the 20-yard line. The Rams had the ball 4th and short in the red zone, with an opportunity to tie the game with just under a minute to go, but a sack by the Spartans defense ended the drive, as well as the game.
The Rams offense was only able to muster one offensive touchdown on the day, and the Spartans defense turned them over three times, including a interception by Jalen Mustin early in the 4th that stalled a promising Rams drive.
"Our defense prevailed today," Griffin added. "The defense did what they came to do, and they sealed the game for us in the end. It's tough to ask your defense to come through for you twice deep in your own territory, but they did everything we asked of them and more. Defense wins championships."
Defense does help win championships, but you have to be able to put up points to win games. After Spartans quarterback Christian Dhue-Reid tossed an interception for a touchdown to the Rams that made it 16-8 with 7:32 left in the third, the Spartans offense seemed to get a spark from that. Running back Travis Boston Jr., broke a few tackles to score from 39 yards out, tying the game at 16-16.
The Spartans defense dialed one up again, forcing the Rams to fumble at near midfield. A couple of plays later, Dhue-Reid found Mustin streaking up the sideline for a 48-yard touchdown to take the lead for good at 24-16 late in the third quarter. Mustin was deemed MVP of the game.
"I knew we needed to make some big plays, with the game so close," Mustin said. "So my only mindset was to make big plays in that second half so we could win. It feels good to three-repeat."
The Spartans have only been in existence for three years, but have accomplished a lot in that short time span on the A-Team level. To go along with the three PAL championships, they have also won 33 consecutive games, which is impressive at any level. The Spartans are also ranked as one of the top little league programs in the entire country, and have a number of high school players currently playing for some of the top programs in the area, including, Cass Tech, King, and Southfield. A lot of programs would be satisfied with the accolades that the Spartans have collected over the years, but there is still more work to do.
"We just want to keep it going," said Griffin. "We are going to go to nationals next, and try to bring home a national championship. Then once that's over with, we start back up in February with our spring conditioning, trying to do it all over again.
"I have to give credit to my coaching staff, because without them, there is no me. They work day in, and day out, and they get the kids to buy into the program. AT the end of the day we stress hard work, because we want our kids to play at a high level in high school. Be committed, work hard, be discipline, be humble, and everything else will take care of itself."
