Vanderkup Keys BadgerSport Upset

The Footballers Fire captured the BadgerSport 7on7 championship in Tampa Sunday, defeating the South Florida Express 28-21. Both teams were made up of primarily players from the Miami area, but outside of their players and coaches, nobody gave the Fire much of a chance.

It was heart and determination defeating talent Sunday in the BadgerSport 7on7 championship in Tampa. The championship game saw the underdog Footballers Fire defeat the talent-laded South Florida Express 28-21, in an exciting contest.

The Fire was led by quarterback Gheirry Vanderkup, of Hialeah (FLA), who lived up to his team's nickname, and was on fire throwing the football. Vanderkup led his team back from an early 15-0 deficit, and was the unanimous choice as the championship game MVP.

With the win the Fire qualified for the national championship in Los Angeles, to be played in July. The defending national champion Express also will qualify for the championship, by virtue of their runner-up finish.

The two-day tournament featured some of the top skill talent in Florida, and was held on the South Florida campus, sponsored by BadgerSport in conjunction with New Level Athletics. Scout.com will have analysis and interviews with the top participants over the next week.