BELIZE CITY, Mon. Mar. 16, 2020– The championship finals of the Dickie Hernandez Old Road Football Classic took place yesterday, Sunday, March 15, at the Lucky Strike Football Field.

The afternoon began at 1:00 p.m. with a kids game, where children from ages 2 to 12 years had fun playing, as Lucky Strike Juniors won, 4-0, over Santana Juniors.

Next at 3:00 p.m. was the 3rd place game in the Old Road Classic, where Pasadita prevailed, 2-0, over Old Road Veterans.

Then at 5:00 p.m., it was the big championship final between #1 seed Lucky Strike Sr. (16 points) and #2 seed Rookies (also of Lucky Strike, 13 points). The game ended with a 2-2 score in regulation time, as Rookies got first half goals from Travis Heredia (8’) and Augustine Smith, Jr. (31’); while Lucky Strike Sr. came back in second half with a goal from Fredu “the Nigerian” along with an own goal by Rookies (65’ OG). The game then went to overtime (10-10), and again it ended in a tie, as Keanan Gillett (8’) put Lucky Strike Sr. in front, and Travis Heredia (17’) equalized for Rookies, resulting in a 3-3 tie at the end of overtime. And in the ensuing penalty shootout, after 7 rounds of shootout, it was Rookies coming away with the 4-3 victory.

Rookies are therefore the 2020 Champions of the Dickie Hernandez Old Road Classic.

Travis Heredia is the MVP of the season with 11 goals in regular season and 2 goals in the Final.

1st Place – Rookies received a cash prize, trophy and medals, and a cake from Jessica Hernandez.

2nd Place – Lucky Strike Sr. received a trophy, cash and medals.

3rd Place – Pasadita received a trophy and medals.

I would like to say a big Thank You to the sponsors/donors who made the tournament a success: Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro, who donated the trophies & medals; Edward Castro; JC’s Shoes Rental (Jaguar Paw Cavetubing); Exotic Wood Gift Shop; Pastor Mr. & Mrs. Augustine Smith; my wife, Jessica Hernandez; Mark Herbert, Jr.; “Tilliman” of Lucky Strike Village; Jerry Smith, Chairman of Lucky Strike; Marion Middleton (Belize Biltmore Plaza); all the kids in Lucky Strike Village; Allan Jones; Elvis Gotoy; David Aldana; Alberto Chacon; Krem Radio; Amandala; Love FM; and last, but not least, my FANS!!

Feature photo: Rookies – 2020 Champions of Dickie Hernandez Old Road Classic