Field up jr team wins passing down 7on7 tournament

Courtesy: Lorenzo Reyna, Passing Down media specialist

Team Field Up’s label of “up-and-comer” at Passing Down has officially been shed, as
the rising squad from the Central Valley of California won the inaugural Passing
Down Junior Division 7-on-7 Showcase on Saturday, June 21, at Inderkum High School in Sacramento.

Field Up’s junior team went 3-1 in the tournament and got the upper hand over Team ASAP 26-8 in the championship game. It’s the first championship for Field Up and head coach Elon Paige at Passing Down.

“It’s a definitely a blessing. These are a great group of kids. They poured their
heart and soul into this,” Paige said. “They had adversity, but they rose up. That’s what it’s all about.” 

The team comprising of Fresno, Clovis, Fowler and Riverdale talent brought a
high-octane offense to the Inderkum football field and unleashed an array of
bombs on defenses.

Mitchell Maggini, an incoming freshman at Riverdale High, helped carve up defenses with his powerful right arm and impressed with his deep ball capability. Fellow
quarterback Trent Thompkins of Fresno showed his effectiveness with the short
passing game.

The top playmaker on the field, though, was Porter Sharp, an incoming 6-foot-1
freshman at Clovis West. Sharp had the two biggest plays in crunch
time. 

He caught a deep touchdown catch against Diverse Sports of Stockton, when he turned
himself and adjusted to the ball in the right corner of the end zone during the
7-6 semifinal victory. Then, he began the title game with a 40-yard interception
return from the end zone. Sharp’s size made him a mismatch against opposing
defensive backs. 

Field Up proved it was a team of the future at two Passing Down high school elite
7-on-7 events during the spring. It clinched a No. 3 and No. 2 playoff seed at
the high school Nor Cal and Cen Cal elite regional, respectively, but fell in
the first round. 

This time, Field Up shook off an early 20-14 loss to ASAP by beating Diverse Sports
twice then knocking off ASAP for the title. The championship run is proof that
Field Up’s future with Passing Down is bright. 

Paige was impressed with the cohesion of his junior squad.

“Guys started to rally around each other and pick each other up,” Paige said. “We made
a statement today. There’s so much potential and growth here.” 

MVP, Porter Sharp (Clovis West)