So far we in the Middle Division of players ages 10-12 we have two undefeated teams, one team with a .500 record and one team that is winless. Although the saying, “you are what your record says you are,” is applicable to our Youth League, wins and losses don’t necessarily define the potential of how a team will fare in the postseason. For a deeper look into each team’s midseason progress, here are the grades!

GIANTS (4-0) = A-

“So Farr so good” has been the motto of this GIANTS team because veteran Coach Sean Farr has returned to the league to orchestrate one of the most electrifying offenses in the Middle Division. Quarterback Madden Barone is a passer that has matured into a leader under the tutelage of Farr. His primary weapon of choice is veteran playmaker Toi Brown. Brown has repeatedly put the team on his back to either seal a win or make a game-winning play. Simply put, if you can stop Brown then you have a legitimate shot at beating the G-MEN. My only concern with the GIANTS is that once defenses figure out start doubling Brown, will the other players be able to perform well enough for the team to win?

VIKINGS (4-0) = A+

Sunday’s matchup against the GIANTS will tell us how good the VIKINGS really are. So far the purple and gold squad has pitched three shutouts in their four wins. Although their shutouts are impressive, I was most intrigued by their 26-6 beatdown over the CHARGERS in Week 2. In that game, the VIKES’ defense really did a number on explosive CHARGERS” QB Adante Berrien. They never allowed the playmaker to get comfortable. When you win your first four games in blowout fashion, there is only one grade that you deserve.

RAVENS (3-1) = A

The RAVENS have shown an ability to put up big points on any given Sunday. Their 52-27 drubbing of the STEELERS in Week 3 is reflective of the BIRDS’ potent offense. Coach Jason Curenton is excellent at putting the ball in the hands of his star playmakers Quadray Greenleaf and Amier Murray. Demetris Eggleston is also a sure-handed receiver that gets delivers when his number is called. The only blemish on the RAVENS record this season was their 16-13 loss to the GIANTS. Toi Brown was simply too much for the BIRDS to handle and Nico Mowod broke RAVENS’ hearts when “Odelled” a pass with one hand. Overall, the RAVENS are talented but the one loss is concerning.

CHARGERS (2-2) = C+

The CHARGERS have proven that they are inconsistent at best, Their 2-2 record is a testament to how much of a roller coaster ride the first four games of the season has been for the BOLTS. In their two wins against the STEELERS and the COWBOYS, the CHARGERS have scored 25.5 points per game. Conversely, in their two losses to the VIKINGS and the GIANTS, they have averaged just six points per game. Adante Berrien bears the huge responsibility of being the hero whenever the CHARGERS’ offense breaks down. As great as Berrien is, he cannot beat the elite teams of our league by himself. He’s going to need the rest of his team to step up their games so that he doesn’t commit turnovers.

COLTS (1-3) = D

Coach Guy Vines has struggled to translate the success that he has had coaching the BEARS in the teen division to the COLTS. At 1-3, including two games in which they went scoreless, the COLTS are looking to establish a team identity. Since they are not effective on offense, one would think that the COLTS would make defense their hallmark. Unfortunately, the HORSES have not been able to hold any team below two touchdowns. The upcoming game against the 0-4 COWBOYS will let us know if the COLTS are at least up to the task of beating a team that they are supposed to be able to beat.

SAINTS (1-3) = D

So far the SAINTS have looked more like the AINTS. Two of their losses, 32-10 against the GIANTS and 19-0 against the VIKINGS have been humbling experiences for the SAINTS. The lone win for this team came in Week 2 against the COLTS. In fairness to the SAINTS, their defense has not played poorly outside of the GIANTS’ game. Unfortunately, the offense has sputtered repeatedly.

STEELERS (1-3) = D-

The STEELERS have been extremely underwhelming this season. Out of their three losses, the one that stands out the most is the 52-27 embarrassment that they suffered at the hands of the RAVENS. First-year coach and ex-PFFL Adult League star Ty Gilliard has to find a way to guide his team to a win before the postseason starts to build confidence.

COWBOYS (0-4) = D+

Despite their winless record the COWBOYS have not played that poorly this season. Rookie QB LaRae Butler has been the talk of the town all year as coaches have been chatting with her already to win the opportunity to draft her for their squads next season. Her arm and accuracy often keeps the BOYS in games that they have no business winning. Cole Markel, JeSean Wright, and Marcus Williams all have talent at the receiver position. Unfortunately Coach Lance Markel has been unable to take full advantage of the rapport that Butler has with her receivers.