Once again, a successful tournament took place in Palm Coast.  Run by Team Florida and sponsored by the city of Palm Coast, Flagler County, and Lax.com, The Pumpkin Shootout featured a 7v7 format and went off without a hitch.  As I have said before, I’m a big fan of the 7v7 format for two reasons; (1) it’s a lot of fun to watch, as well as play, and (2) it develops players by maximizing touches per player and by not allowing players to “hide” on the field. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and I had the opportunity to see some great talent, young and old (there was an adult division this year!).  Every time I go to one of these tournaments, I am always blown away by the skill and lacrosse knowledge demonstrated at every level.   At the U11 level, Lax Rats took the crown in a very tight game over the PV Possums.  Despite losing in the U11 championship, the Possums program had a very successful weekend.  The team won the U13 title over the Avalon Venom and made it to the final in U15 and U17, plus the final four in the U19 division. Premier Players won the U15 division and Warhammer won the U17 division.  The U19 final was played between Braveheart, who got there by defeating the PV Possums, and GOAT Lax, who barely escaped the Old School Lacrosse Club in the final four.  I wasn’t able to watch the U19 final, but GOAT Lax came out on top.   The Men’s division was a treat.  The division was a combination of three “Sparrow” adult teams and four college club teams (UCF, Stetson, and two UNF teams).  In the playoffs, UNF Navy beat Stetson but then fell to UCF.  This set up a final pitting UCF against “Sparrows Elite.”  Contrary to my prediction, the old guys came out on top as the Sparrows defeated UCF to win the championship! The Pumpkin Shootout was a blast and it was another great showcase for our state’s talent.  A huge thanks to Team Florida for yet another awesome event and to the parents and coaches that make it possible for these players to have these opportunities!