Huntsville Rockets Capture 2025 GDFL National Championship with 20–8 Win Over Tennessee Vikings

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — September 7, 2025 — The Huntsville Rockets added another trophy to their storied history on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Tennessee Vikings 20–8 at Milton Frank Stadium to claim the 2025 Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) National Championship.

The victory marks the Rockets’ sixth league title, further cementing them as one of the premier programs in minor league football.

First Half: Rockets Explode Early

The Rockets wasted no time setting the tone. On their opening drive, #8 Ron Watkins powered into the end zone from 8 yards out, giving Huntsville a quick 6–0 lead.

Momentum carried into the second quarter when #2 Jermarious Chandler broke through on a 7-yard run. A successful two-point conversion extended the margin to 14–0.

Moments later, the Rockets’ defense flipped the game on its head. Tennessee quarterback Omarion Johnson threw the first of his three interceptions, picked off by #6 Ryan Jackson. Huntsville immediately capitalized when quarterback Chris Briscoe launched a 67-yard strike to #1 Rishad Goode, who outran the secondary for a highlight-reel touchdown.

By halftime, the Rockets were firmly in control with a 20–0 lead.

Second Half: Defense Slams the Door

Photographer Dave Silas

The Vikings tried to rally in the second half behind Johnson, but Huntsville’s defense was suffocating. Twice, Tennessee drove deep into Rockets territory, only to see both opportunities end in interceptions.

Johnson finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter on a quarterback keeper, but the Rockets’ defensive front and secondary clamped down the rest of the way. Turnovers and miscues plagued the Vikings, preventing any chance at a comeback.

MVP: Rishad Goode Dominates

There was no doubt about the game’s standout performer. #1 Rishad Goode turned in a championship performance for the ages:

    •    110 receiving yards and 1 TD (including the 67-yard bomb before halftime)

    •    2 interceptions on defense

    •    9 tackles anchoring the Rockets’ secondary

Goode’s two-way brilliance made the difference, punishing the Vikings on both sides of the ball and earning him Game MVP honors.

“Rishad was unbelievable today,” said Rockets Owner Nicholas Benjamin. “He showed why he’s one of the most complete players in this league. To dominate on both sides of the ball in a championship game — that’s the stuff of legends.”

Goode credited his teammates for the win: “This was a total team effort. Our defense kept us in control, our offense executed, and I just wanted to do my part. To win another championship for Huntsville is an incredible feeling.”

Rockets’ Championship Pedigree

For Tennessee, the defeat marked the end of a breakthrough run through the Impact Conference. Their youth and explosiveness carried them to the title game, but against a battle-tested Huntsville squad, their mistakes proved costly.

For the Rockets, the win adds to a legacy that now includes a long awaited GDFL National Championship over 23 seasons of dominance. With an .836 win percentage, multiple division and conference crowns, and another national title, Huntsville once again stands as the standard-bearer of developmental football.

Final Score: Huntsville Rockets 20, Tennessee Vikings 8