There’s a football dynasty being constructed right here in Benicia, and it isn’t the high school program – at least not yet.
Benicia Youth Football’s Midget football squad – made up mostly of 13-year-old eighth graders – has been destroying opponents all season and seems destined to not only win the NorCal Elite Youth Football & Cheer Association championship, but a Turkey Bowl trophy as well. Benicia’s Midgets are 7-0 on the season and, as a group, have lost only once in the past 33 games dating back to 2012.
“Our corps players have been together for four years and they’ve really been dominant,” said offensive coordinator Ken Deseve, who along with head coach Marc Rose and assistants Tom McClanahan, Tyjon Casey, Craig Guila, Marshall Martin and Michael Rose have guided this group to success.
This team went undefeated as Pee Wees and won the Turkey Bowl championship in 2012. Last year as Jr. Midgets, the team won its first 12 games before losing in double overtime in the Turkey Bowl championship. In all, this group has reached the Turkey Bowl – youth football’s version of the Super Bowl – three years in a row.
A fourth Turkey Bowl appears to be on the horizon based on the first seven games this year. Only two of Benicia’s games have been close – a 14-0 victory over East County and a 28-14 win over the San Ramon T-Birds. Every other Midget game has been a Benicia blowout, including four shutouts.
Leading the charge have been twin brothers Jaden and Jovon McClanahan. Jaden plays quarterback and is dangerous running or throwing the ball. Jovon is a speedy and powerful running back who has run over, through and around opposing defenses.
“They are the heart of the team,” Deseve said. “They’re rare natural athletes and good kids. They’re very respectful and good in school. They’re totally unselfish. They want to see the people around them succeed.
“They’re at the top of any players I’ve ever coached. They can do it all. When we play other teams, their whole plan is to stop the twins.”
Other offensive standouts have included Charlie Rose, Tayvaughn Casey, Gerren Morgan, Darius Thomas, Marshall Martin, Jordan Holmes and Jason Harper. The offensive line has been spectacular, led by Isaiah Ostil, Christian Anderson, Ethan Bello, Aaron Jenkins and Craig Guila.
The McClanahans join Jenkins and Bello to form a fierce linebacker corps. Casey, Thomas and Morgan clamp down in the defensive secondary while Harper, Guila and Anderson form a solid wall on the defensive line.
“The more success you have, the more people are trying to knock you down,” Deseve said. “But this group plays well all the time, even against teams that have been historically strong in the division. They always find a way to win. A lot of them are going to be coming up to the high school next year and it’ll be a great group of players.”
Benicia’s Midgets have three games remaining in the regular season and play Walnut Creek (2-5) this Saturday at Northgate High School.
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