The Northern Kentucky Youth Football League crowned a new Junior Division champion Sunday as the NKY Bandits edged out the Union Raiders 8–6 in a hard-fought, defensive showdown at Ryle High School.

Fans packed the stands to witness one of the tightest games in recent NKYFL Super Bowl history. The Bandits’ offense struck early, converting a key two-point kick by Dylan Fay that proved to be the difference. The Raiders answered with a touchdown in the second quarter, but were unsuccessful on their own two-point kick attempt.

Head Coach Jimmy Davis praised his team’s resilience, saying the players “earned every yard and never backed down.” The Bandits’ defense turned in a standout performance,  limiting Raider offensive possessions in the second half. With the lead, the Bandits offense was able to win a lopsided time-of-possession battle in the second half. 

A key completion on 3rd and 8 from Fay to Jude Joseph deep in Raider territory with less than two minutes remaining proved to be the deciding play. The Bandits were able to melt the clock down to less than ten seconds before a turnover on downs inside the Raider ten yard line. The Raiders turned the ball back over on a fumble on the ensuing first down, and the Bandits assumed a victory formation on the game's final play. 

The Raiders and Bandits were familiar opponents in championship games, facing off in three prior NKYFL Super Bowls. The win marked the team's (class of 2032) fourth NKYFL Championship, all against the Raiders. 

With the win, the NKY Bandits cap off an impressive season and bring home the organization's 23rd NKYFL Championship to the delight of fans and families across the Francisville metroplex.