By Mukala Kabongo
NEFJ Staff

EVERETT – The Everett Legends Camp hosted by Isaiah Likely and Mike Sainristil concluded with the second version of a 7-on-7 tournament on Monday.

This one ended in dramatic fashion as Brooks School defensive back Tristan Yepedo made the game winning interception to give team ‘Most Hated’ the win over ‘Intruders Elite Academy’ out of Providence, R.I.

Team Most Hated was coached by well-known social media creator Jared Martino and quarterbacked by Coastal Carolina commit Osiris Lopez from Leominster.

“Isaiah Likely and Mike Sainristil coming back to their hometown, coming back to Massachusetts showing everybody love,” said Martino. “Putting on an event like this it’s what it’s all about, great role models to look at.”

The atmosphere at Everett Memorial Stadium was electric with fans and players all excited for the potential matchup between Team Most Hated and defending champs SOS, composed of players from Catholic Memorial.

Both teams breezed through their first three games, with SOS quarterback Kise Flannery displaying his arm strength and accuracy in their wins and Lopez showing why he’s one of the most exciting players in New England.

“This the Most Hated tour we started today,” Lopez quipped.

The much anticipated matchup finally took place in the semifinals. Team Most Hated jumped out to the early lead when Lopez marched his squad down the field and eventually found Everett native Jaysaun Coggins over the middle for a touchdown.

Most Hated’s defense stepped up in a big way early on SOS’s opening drive, forcing a turnover on downs that soon led to another Lopez touchdown pass.

The defense once again came up with a big play with a goal line stand to all but secure a trip to the championship game against Intruders Elite Academy, who surprised many people on the day.

“It was great competition the whole day,” said Martino

In the title game, both teams went back and forth exchanging big play after big play.

After IEW scored a late touchdown with to get within one with under 10 seconds remaining,  it was once again team Most Hated’s defense that came up with the big play as Yepdo picked off the potential game winning two-point attempt and ran to the opposite side of the field, along with many fans and players from opposing teams who were still in attendance.

“We were up one, they needed two and it came down to the wire and I just made a play,” said Yepdo.

The weekend for Sainristil and Likely was another huge success for all the players to showcase their talents in front of NFL stars that walked in their shoes. There was even a coach John DiBiaso sighting to support his former players.

“It was a nice organized event, a lot of exposure,” said Lopez

Martino – who is best known for highlighting players in the region – appreciates what a tournament such as this can do for players.

“I think this is just awesome for the area as a whole,” said Martino. “I feel like New England is under-represented in the football world and you got two guys who are making plays in the NFL giving back to their community.”