[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 2327-2328]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE DALE CITY BENGALS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 2007

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Dale City Bengals, who on December 9, 2006, won the American Youth 
Football Pee Wee ``AA'' Division National Championship.
  After a stellar regular season the Bengals advanced through local and 
regional qualifiers to gain a berth in the national tournament in 
Tampa, FL. Over a period of 5 days, the Bengals played against the best 
football teams in the Nation and emerged victorious with the ``Taft'' 
National Championship Trophy.
  The tournament started with a seeding game, where the Bengals drew a 
match up against the Brooklyn Chiefs. The Bengals got off to a rocky 
start as they were routed 27-6. Their four coaches, Jim Spellman, 
Joviaire Yarbo, Joel Avent, and Moses Webb, knew it was time to 
refocus. Through an extra practice and a new attitude they were able to 
do just that.
  In their next game against the Westchester Raiders the Bengals came 
out with a chip on their shoulder, and they were forced to invoke the 
mercy rule on the way to a 48-13 victory. In the meantime, Brooklyn had 
won their semi-final game as well, setting the stage for an epic 
rematch.

[[Page 2328]]

  Prior to the final game, Assistant Coach Yarbo brought the team 
together and during an inspired speech told the players, ``it doesn't 
matter how you get there--it matters what you do when you get there.'' 
Drawing on these words and a power ground game, the Dale City Bengals 
persevered to create a 13-6 lead late in the game. With the Chiefs 
driving on what would prove to be their final possession, middle line 
backer Jacob Spellman intercepted an errant pass that sealed the 
outcome of the game, earning him MVP honors.
  In a truly inspirational story, the Dale City Bengals represent all 
that is great about youth sports. Drawing on the support of their 
parents, coaches and community, the Bengals' team performance shows 
that anything is possible when people come together to achieve a common 
goal. I honor the efforts of every player: Daniel Amendolaro, Jaylen 
Avent, Juan Bennett, Shakeem Copeland, GeJuane Dalrymple, Xavier 
Dashiell II, Typer Donnelly, Easton Hawk, Khalil Jackson, Jamil 
Jackson, Kinte Johnson, T.J. Middleton, Kamel Montgomery, Tariq Qawiyy, 
Darnell Rife, Michaiah Smith, Jacob Spellman, Joseph Walker II, Moses 
Webb, Jr., and Ji Wright.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Bengals on their 
championship and to wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

                          ____________________