The X-Box Games!

How do you get young kids and teenagers up before noon on a Saturday? Well, you have an X-box 360 tournament of course. 

Though small in comparison to some of the larger Xbox 360 tournaments that are held all over the United States throughout the year, Franklin County's tournament proved to be just as much fun for its participants as its counterparts. 

Thirty – four area youths signed up to participate in Saturday's tournament that was held by the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Department. The tournament was held at the Franklin Center in downtown Rocky Mount adjacent to the Franklin County Library.

The gamers were divided into four groups according to their grade levels; K-2nd, 3rd – 5th, 6th – 8th, and 9th – 12th. The game of choice was Madden Football 08 produced by EA games. Players would play until they lost two games then would be eliminated from the tournament.

As the tournament progressed, you could tell from their body language and intent looks on their faces that they came to win. The older teenagers in the group of gamers had a relaxed confidence in their style while the younger kids played the game never taking their eyes off the screen, with fingers and thumbs working the controls feverishly as if they were playing in the final seconds of the real Super Bowl.

One by one the field of players was eliminated until it all came down to the final three games for each group. Who would take home the big trophy? And who would finish up the day in second or third place? (See list of winners below.)

Final Results
2008 Winners List by Group.

Grades K-2
First Place - Chandler Taylor
Second Place - J D Heath

Grades 3rd- 5th
First Place - Johnny Crandall
Second Place - Dylan Yost
Third Place - Devon Booth

Grades 6th - 8th
First Place - Ryan Bateman
Second Place - Ethan Power
Third Place - Shannon Pinto

Grades 9th - 12th
First place - Tae Gunner
Second Place - Thomas Finney
Third Place - Corey Hite

Editor's note: Franklin County Parks and Recreation should be applauded in their never ending efforts to engage the youth of Franklin County in community and social activities. Their staff works tirelessly to develop entertaining programs for Franklin County and we encourage you to support them in any way you can.

You can see the photo gallery for this event at: Set 1