A new youth flag football program with local ties has triumphantly advanced to a championship appearance in its inaugural season.

The I- 95 RiskTakerz, competing in the 703 United league, were co-founded by Louisa County native D.D. Watson III—known locally for being vice president of the Watson Funeral Home and owner of the High Class Barber Lounge—and head coach Isaiah “Manny” Tilles. Despite being a first-year organization competing against established teams across the Commonwealth, the group will play in the championship game on Sunday, June 7.

For Watson and Tilles, the focus from the start went beyond wins and losses. Together, they’ve built a roster that has thrived under a shared vision of player development.

“Patience is one of the most important qualities a youth coach can have. At this age, you’re teaching more than football—you’re teaching accountability, sportsmanship, teamwork, emotional control, and how to handle both success and adversity,” Coach Watson stated. “We constantly remind our players that how they win is just as important as how they lose. Character matters.”

That philosophy has been the backbone of a program that emphasizes a family oriented atmosphere and long-term growth. In just a matter of months, that approach has translated into wins on the field and a championship opportunity few expected in year one.

“This group has bought into everything we’ve asked of them,” Coach Tilles stated. “From the very first practice, these boys showed a willingness to learn, work hard, and trust one another. Making it to the championship is a testament to their dedication, the support of their parents, and the commitment of our coaching staff.”

The RiskTakerz roster includes 18 players between the ages of 9–11, with athletes from Louisa County and other parts of Central Virginia competing under one banner.

Among the team’s key contributors is Trevilians Elementary School student Jayceon “JMoney” Roberts, who began the season at wide receiver before moving to quarterback during the team’s first game. The change helped spark the offense and has been central to the championship run.

Since taking over under center, Roberts has thrown for more than 700 yards, 9 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions. Coaches credit his ability to extend plays and create opportunities for teammates as a major factor in the team’s production.

Victor “Pac Man” Reyes has been another key two-way performer, recording more than 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns offensively while adding three interceptions at defensive back. His versatility, athleticism, and timing have helped stabilize both sides of the ball throughout the season.

Other contributors to the championship run include running back Arthur Smith and tight end Legend “Uno” Tilles, both of whom have played important roles in the team’s balanced offensive attack.

While individual performances have stood out, the coaching staff reiterated that the foundation of the team’s success lies in its culture and leadership structure. Alongside coaches Qell Carter, Rich Adams, Dez Spates, and Quan Wallace, Watson and Tilles built the program around accountability and discipline. They believe in being supportive, but also show tough love when necessary.

“Growing up in sports, working in the funeral profession, raising children, and overcoming challenges in my own life have all helped shape how I communicate with these kids,” Watson stated. “I don’t believe in giving speeches just to hear myself talk. My goal is to connect with them, get them to believe in themselves, and remind them that they’ve already put in the work.”

Beyond coaching, branding and presentation have also been central to the organization’s identity. Watson has prioritized visibility for the athletes and a professional look for the program, from uniforms to overall team image.

“Kids take pride in being part of something that looks professional. When they put on a clean uniform and represent a recognizable brand, they feel connected to something bigger than themselves,” Watson stated. “The branding and uniforms are about more than appearance—they create identity, pride, and ownership. We want our players to feel confident, and there’s definitely truth to the saying, ‘Look good, feel good, play good’.”

All practices are currently held at Drew Middle School near Fredericksburg, with games played at Benton Middle School. Watson initially hoped to launch the program in Louisa County in partnership with the Louisa Youth Athletic Association (LYAA), but both sides ultimately agreed to revisit discussions in the future due to logistical challenges and early-stage limitations. Watson thanked LYAA President Charlie Elkins for his ongoing support during the process.

“With the demand already placed on the new complex, splitting field time would have been a challenge. More importantly, Charlie and I both felt that many families may not have been ready for the amount of travel required to consistently compete against some of the elite organizations we face throughout the year,” Watson stated. “At the end of the day, it wasn’t a disagreement or a political issue. It was simply a matter of timing and logistics. We both agreed that it might make more sense to revisit those conversations in a few years once both organizations have continued to grow. Our relationship remains strong, and we’re all working toward the same goal: creating opportunities for young athletes and helping Louisa County football continue to thrive.”

As championship weekend approaches, the players are focused on finishing the job.

“We worked too hard to stop now. Everybody doubted us because we’re a first-year team, but we believed in ourselves from the beginning,” Roberts stated. “We’re excited for the championship, but we’re not satisfied just making it there. We want to finish what we started and bring that trophy back home.”

After Sunday, attention will shift toward tackle football, where the staff hopes to retain much of the core group as they transition into the NOVA conference this fall. The program’s motto reflects their overall momentum and mindset: “We’re not coming no more… WE HERE.”

Early Bird registration for the I95 RiskTakerz fall program is now open at https://my.cheddarup.com/c/i95-risktakerz-registration