The Scenic City Stars 10s from East Ridge shocked the crowd at the Georgia Dome Saturday with a 13-6 victory over the East Metro Atlanta Titans in the D.L. Scott Coalition Bowl.
Stars coach Jamey Jones was overwhelmed by the experience and the challenge his players faced.
"Wow! What an experience and challenge it was," Jones said. "The expressions on the players faces when we come out of the tunnel (onto the field at the Dome) was priceless."
Jones said it was difficult at first to keep his players' attention.
"But kudos to them, they got focused and was ready for battle by game time," Jones said. "It was a very exciting defensive game with some big hits. Both teams had to work hard to get into the end zone.
The Stars struck twice on the legs of speedy and evasive running back C.J. Roberson.
Roberson broke a scoreless game open after taking a quick screen pass from quarterback Nic Mirabella and sprinting down the sidelines 47 yards for the score.
Hunter Jones scored the extra point on a run and the Stars took a 7-0 advantage.
Roberson later added a 68-yard touchdown run when he dashed through a hole off right tackle and sprinted away from the Titans defenders to paydirt. The extra point attempt was short and the Stars were up 13-0.
The Titans scored in the second half, but the hard-hitting Stars defense stepped up and held the Atlanta team the rest of the way.
Hunter Jones had six tackles for a loss and a big hit on a kickoff.
"I can't say enough about our strong defense," stated Jones. "I just want to say thanks to Stump Martin for giving us this opportunity to play in this great event and to D1 for making room for us to get some very needed practice time in before this game. And the parents of these players for being committed to this team. Thank you all."
Martin said he was proud of the way the Scenic City Stars represented East Ridge Recreation and the Scenic City Youth Football League.
"The Stars came to play and beat a good 10-year-old team coached by Dr. David L. Scott, who originated and sponsors the all-day football event that features youth games and three high school all-star games. The players, coaches and family members who attended will never forget this experience."
The Stars players are CJ Robertson, Nic Mirabella, Bryce James, Denver Newman, Troy Williams, Jamir Eaton, Brody Cobb, Tyler Pritchett, Hunter Jones, Jacob Bridgeman, Zane Penney, Jake Davey, Wyatt Standridge, Cody Thomas, Carson Hedrick, Mathew Smith and Scott Clinton.