The CD Panthers 6U jumped out to an early lead behind a 40-yard touchdown run from Nazir Givens, then relied on a determined defensive effort, including a crucial fourth-quarter goal-line stand, to defeat 5 Star 6U 12-6 in the Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) playoffs.
After taking a 6-0 lead in the opening quarter, the Panthers extended their advantage in the second quarter before 5 Star answered with a touchdown of its own. With just six points separating the teams at halftime, the game developed into a defensive battle that remained undecided until the final minutes.
5 Star opened the game on offense with Toronto Hickman carrying the ball for a 2-yard gain. However, the Panthers’ defense stopped the opening possession on downs, giving CD an early opportunity to take control.
The Panthers wasted little time capitalizing as Givens broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run, giving CD a 6-0 lead.
5 Star attempted to respond behind the running of Hickman, Tristian White Jr. and Kairi Dumas. Hickman recorded consecutive 8-yard gains, while Dumas added several carries as 5 Star looked to establish its ground attack.
However, CD’s defense came up with several key stops. Givens, Dallas Banks and Jamari Lewis Jr. were among the Panthers making tackles as 5 Star struggled to finish its drive.
With CD holding a 6-0 advantage after the opening quarter, the Panthers continued looking for opportunities to extend their lead.
In the second quarter, Banks helped move the offense with a 19-yard run, followed by a short gain from Lewis. Amare Moore-Milton then broke through the defense for a 40-yard touchdown run, extending CD’s lead to 12-0.
Trailing by two touchdowns, 5 Star responded with one of its strongest offensive possessions of the game.
White helped move the offense forward before Dumas broke loose for a 23-yard run. Hickman followed with a 13-yard gain, bringing 5 Star closer to the end zone. After additional carries by Hickman and White, Dumas finished the drive with a 13-yard touchdown run, cutting the Panthers’ lead to 12-6.
With the Panthers holding a six-point advantage, CD looked to add to its lead before halftime.
Banks picked up five yards, and Lewis followed with a 10-yard run to move the offense forward. On the final play of the half, Lewis connected with Givens on a 45-yard pass completion. Givens raced toward the end zone but was stopped short of the goal line as time expired, allowing 5 Star to escape the first half without surrendering another touchdown.
The Panthers entered halftime holding a 12-6 lead.
The third quarter developed into a defensive battle as both teams struggled to sustain drives.
CD opened the second half with Givens gaining 15 yards on the ground, but 5 Star’s defense tightened. Lewis was held to minimal gains on several carries, while Moore-Milton and Banks were stopped behind the line of scrimmage. The drive eventually ended on downs, giving 5 Star another opportunity.
Hickman helped 5 Star move the ball with short gains, while White added a 5-yard run. Dumas also contributed a 13-yard carry as 5 Star continued searching for the tying touchdown.
With CD maintaining its six-point advantage entering the fourth quarter, 5 Star continued pressing for the end zone.
Hickman picked up two yards on a carry that ended with a tackle by Johari Frost. White followed with another attempt, but the Panthers’ defense held him to no gain before Moore-Milton brought him down for a 1-yard loss.
Despite those setbacks, 5 Star continued threatening deep in Panthers territory, moving the ball inside the 10-yard line and putting CD’s defense under tremendous pressure.
With the game hanging in the balance, the Panthers refused to give ground.
White managed a 3-yard gain as 5 Star pushed closer to the goal line, but Hickman was stopped for no gain on consecutive carries, including a fourth-down attempt near the 4-yard line.
The defensive stand ended 5 Star’s scoring threat and preserved CD’s narrow 12-6 advantage.
Taking over deep in its own territory, the Panthers turned to Lewis to help move the ball away from their goal line. After being stopped for a loss on his first carry, Lewis responded with a 13-yard run to give CD some breathing room.
The Panthers maintained possession as the final seconds ticked away, securing the hard-fought playoff victory.
Givens led CD with 55 rushing yards on two carries, including a 40-yard touchdown run, and added a 45-yard reception. Moore-Milton contributed 36 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Banks added 19 yards on three carries. Lewis finished with 20 rushing yards and completed his only pass attempt for 45 yards.
Defensively, Givens recorded four tackles, while Lewis, Johari Frost, Banks and Moore-Milton each contributed a tackle.
For 5 Star, Dumas led the rushing attack with 53 yards on seven carries, including the team’s lone touchdown. Hickman added 45 rushing yards on 12 carries, while White contributed seven yards on eight attempts.
Although both teams found success offensively during the first half, it was the Panthers’ ability to protect their six-point lead, particularly during 5 Star’s fourth-quarter goal-line threat, that ultimately secured the 12-6 victory and a spot in the next round of the WYFL playoffs.
Game Stats
CD Panthers 6U
Passing: Jamari Lewis Jr., 1 completion, 45 yards.
Rushing: Nazir Givens, 2 carries, 55 yards, 1 TD; Amare Moore-Milton, 2 carries, 36 yards, 1 TD; Jamari Lewis Jr., 9 carries, 20 yards; Dallas Banks, 3 carries, 19 yards.
Receiving: Nazir Givens, 1 reception, 45 yards.
Defense: Nazir Givens, 4 tackles; Jamari Lewis Jr., 1 tackle; Johari Frost, 1 tackle; Dallas Banks, 1 tackle; Amare Moore-Milton, 1 tackle.
5 Star 6U
Rushing: Kairi Dumas, 7 carries, 53 yards, 1 TD; Toronto Hickman, 12 carries, 45 yards; Tristian White Jr., 8 carries, 7 yards.
Defense: Toronto Hickman, 1 tackle.
