Beacon House Falcons claim second consecutive City Title

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The Beacon House Falcons made it look easy as they defeated the Landover Seminoles for their second straight Capital Youth Athletic Conference’s City Title for seven-year-olds.

The Falcons shut out the Seminoles 25-0, Saturday at H.D. Woodson High School.

“We always win this way,” Albert Coombs said.

The victory also improved the team’s record to 9-1-1 on the season.

“Man, we had a half-full game versus a great opponent,” said head coach James Gray. “I’m just glad that we won it.”

Athletics is just one component of Beacon House. It also emphasizes the importance of a good education, as it offers free after-school programs to District children between the ages of 5-18.

“It just keeps the kids busy,” said Rodney Cephus, the director of athletics and mentoring at Beacon House. “They come after school for study hall education, help, STEM and enrichment programs.”

Beacon House first opened its doors to children 34 years ago.

“It’s important because it gives kids something to do, not just sitting in the house,” Cephus said. “They’re out with their peers, they’re involved with adults, they’re involved with, their peers and just doing things the right way.”

Parents said Beacon House has definitely helped their children.

“It’s instilled in him discipline, the ability to work with, others to be a teammate, a good team player on and off the field,” said Sara Coombs, of her son, Albert. “I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

While it takes skill to play athletics, such as football, there’s one rule all of the athletes must follow.

“If you don’t do good in school, you can’t play football,” Gray said.

Saturday’s victory allowed the Falcons to continue their run towards the American Youth Football National Championships in Naples, Fla., from Dec. 7 to Dec.13.