Football: Hamilton wins its first Western League title in 41 years
First Western title since 1973 for Yankees
Not since the days of Hall of Famer Warren Moon playing quarterback at Hamilton High in 1973 had the Yankees won a Western League football championship.
Hamilton (7-3, 5-0) made history on Friday, defeating Venice, 25-0, to win its first Western title in 41 years and its first league title since 1980. Venice (4-6, 3-2) had won 12 consecutive league titles.
The Yankees turned in a stellar defensive performance, opening a 12-0 halftime lead and never looking back.
Russell Shaw led the first-half surge, making an interception and catching a touchdown pass from Armani Rogers.
Sophomore free safety Jaques Wilson was tremendous coming up to make tackles and junior Emmanuel Joseph made tackles on defense and contributed as a blocker.
And there was the 6-foot-6 Rogers, a junior who managed the offense brilliantly.
Hamilton could be the No. 1 seed for the City Section Division II playoffs when seedings are announced on Saturday.
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