Matthew Branson, of Ashburn, was the starting quarterback for Northern Virginia’s seventh-grade team in the Football University’s Youth National Championship Tournament. The 64-team tournament consisted of top youth teams from across the nation.

Northern Virginia lost to Central Virginia, 14-12, in the first round Dec. 1 at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. Northern Virginia’s eighth-grade team - featured in this story - also fell in the first round to Central Virginia.

Below are a few photos of Matthew Branson and the seventh-grade squad playing in the tournament. Northern Virginia also played a consolation game against a team from North Carolina on Dec. 2.