A warm and bright Saturday afternoon served as the perfect background to the conclusion of the Orlando Johnson Football Tournament at the Coronation Ball Park. The combatants North Valley and North Side were playing for the title of football supremacy in the Valley. It was evident both teams were nervous as passes went array and ball movement was poor. However, Carlisle “Mr. D” Lake the former national midfield player calmed down his North Side team with poise, good control and excellent ball sense?

Awarded winners

As the game progressed North Side dominated ball movements. “Mr. D”, along with Samuel “Birdie” Webster, moved the ball from side to side with little resistance. Soon North Valley cracked under pressure as "Mr. D" scored the first goal. The vast degree of pressure must have been overwhelming as North Valley seemed bewildered and lacking energy. To add insult to injury a second goal was scored. This sent some of the North Side crowd, such as Teacher Valerie Hodge and Charlene Gumbs, into a fit of elation as they screamed and cheered their boys on.
North Valley now staring defeat straight in the face opted to start the second half with energy and determination. No sooner the second half began, North Valley strung some plays together which sent shivers down the backs of the North Side team and fans. Otasba “Tabba” Connor resuscitated North Valley’s hopes as he streaked down the left side of the field sending a rocket between the goal keeper Shaun Smith and the goal post. Like the eruption on Mount Vesuvius, several millennia ago, the North Valley players and fans burst into joyful screams.
Quieted by the reality of possibly losing the game, North Side roared back to life. The Lake brothers "Mr. D", and Cuthwin Lake, Jason Hodge and Javel Brooks rose like waves and took the challenge to North Valley. For every attack by Kennedra Belle (North Valley), there was a counter attack by North Side. Unfortunately, for North Side, Khaloni Richardson was always there to thwart it. Tall Jason Hodge seized an opportunity to score the third goal sealing victory for North Side. The hard blocking, highly intense game culminated with a 3: 1 victory for North Side.
This year’s tournament presented a number of ideals: self control, self respect and respect for others.

Awards:

First Place ----
North Side

Second place ---
North Valley

Third Place --- Valley

Most Valuable Player -- Carlisle ‘Mr. D” Lake

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