Thanks to a strong run by K.J. Graves, the Plant City Dolphins claimed the 6U division championship in last week’s United YFL Football Championships. Graves, 7, scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the DMV Knights, a team from Maryland, in the Dec. 8 tournament finale.
Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
That was a pretty big run in the championship. After you scored, how did you feel?
Good.
Tell me about that game. You guys played them really close.
It was very good and hard.
What did that team do that made the game hard?
Tackling.
At halftime, what did the coach tell you to get you all ready to go win?
We did a cheer. “Two times Ric Flair.”
How long have you been playing football?
Since January (2015).
What made you want to learn how to play?
I love football.
What’s your favorite position to play?
Running back.
Who’s your favorite football player?
Odell Beckham Jr.
What would you want to do if you could hang out with Odell for a day?
Dance.
Which NFL team is your favorite?
Carolina Panthers.
Why did you pick them?
Because they have a good quarterback.
What’s your favorite thing about playing football?
Running the ball.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on a football field?
Stiff-armed somebody. From the DMV Knights, number 3, he was trying to get to me but I stiff-armed him. The coaches said, “Ooh.”
Do you play any other sports?
No.
Is there a sport you want to try?
Basketball.
Where do you go to school?
Buckhorn Elementary.
What’s your favorite subject?
Math.
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
Football player.
What team would you want to play for?
Raiders.
What’s your favorite thing to eat before a game?
Banana.
What superpower would you like to have?
Spider-Man powers.