This weekend, September 14-15, the Elite Mustangs SE Qualifier with Backwards K Tournament takes center stage at the iconic Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida. Teams from across the state will battle it out across four divisions—12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U—in what promises to be an intense and competitive showcase of young fastpitch talent.

12U Division: Rising Stars Ready to Shine

Pool A in the 12U division is stacked with teams looking to make a name early in the season. The Florida Firecrackers Slavik (2012) arrive with a dominant 10-3 record, led by a potent offense and steady pitching that has made them one of the favorites. The Central Florida Suns (8-2), having split games with the Firecrackers earlier this year, will be right in the hunt, boasting an explosive offense that has overwhelmed most opponents. Meanwhile, the SFL Intensity 2012 KOD/CAZ, fresh off a tournament victory and sitting at 5-2, will bring their well-coached squad into the weekend looking to make another statement.

Teams like FL Thunderbolts Allen 2031 (5-9-2) and EC Bullets Jackson/Stephanie (4-6-1) will be looking to rebound after tough starts, while the Tampa Mustangs KN (1-2) and Tampa Mustangs Pontbriant 2013 (2-3-2) hope to break through and showcase their resilience in this competitive pool.

Over in Pool B, the Jax Gold 2012 (4-1) are a team to watch, as their high-powered offense has already put up big numbers. The Windermere Wildfire 12U (5-2) also comes in hot, with several key wins under their belt. The Aces Elite (4-5) will be hoping to build on a solid 3-1 performance last weekend, while Mojo 2012-Keenan (1-3) has had its share of close games and is on the verge of turning things around. Adding an international flavor, P.R. Elite Softball Academy 12U will make its tournament debut, bringing a level of unpredictability to the pool.

Projected Outcome: Florida Firecrackers Slavik, Central Florida Suns, and SFL Intensity should lead the way in Pool A, while in Pool B, expect Jax Gold and Windermere Wildfire to set the tone. But don’t count out the surprises that could come from P.R. Elite Softball Academy as they enter the fray.

14U Division: Heavyweights Ready for Battle

The 14U division boasts some of the tournament’s most elite teams. Ohana 14U enters the weekend with an undefeated 12-0-1 record and has been dominant on both sides of the ball. They’ll look to continue their streak, but Firecrackers Smith (12-2), another offensive powerhouse, will provide a formidable challenge. Treasure Coast Venom (5-0) has quietly put together a solid start and is looking sharp, while Firecrackers FL Cronin (5-2) are riding a five-game win streak and could be peaking at just the right time.

Pool B features the red-hot EC Bullets Jackson/Travis (11-1), who are coming off a tournament victory and seem to be firing on all cylinders. The Florida Storm 14U (2-1) will also be in the mix, while the Oviedo Batbusters and SFL Intensity KOD – Lala will be making their season debuts. These teams bring unpredictability to the tournament and could surprise anyone on any given day.

Projected Outcome: In Pool A, expect a showdown between Ohana and Firecrackers Smith, with Ohana looking like the early favorite. Pool B is EC Bullets Jackson/Travis’ to lose, but Florida Storm and the Batbusters could make it interesting as the weekend progresses.

Florida Fastpitch Coaches Convention

16U Division: Anyone’s Game

The 16U division is shaping up to be a wide-open race. Tampa Mustangs Rene-Pynes 16U will be the team to watch in Pool A, as they enter their first tournament of the fall with a roster filled with new talent and a history of national-level success. However, Florida Elite (Champion) (5-3), on a three-game win streak, and the battle-tested Clearwater Bullets Vigue (4-3) will not go down without a fight.

In Pool B, the storyline is unpredictability. EC Bullets Jackson/Randy are debuting their new-look team, but they’ve always been solid and should be in contention. Miami Stingrays 16U will look to carry their reputation as a scrappy, competitive team, while Unity Lanier (5-0) has a perfect record and could very well shake things up in what is expected to be a hotly contested pool.

Projected Outcome: Look for Tampa Mustangs Rene-Pynes to dominate Pool A, with Florida Elite in close pursuit. Pool B is up for grabs, with EC Bullets Jackson/Randy and Miami Stingrays likely to be in the mix, but don’t sleep on Unity Lanier to pull off a surprise.

18U Division: A Powerhouse Showdown

The 18U division might be the deepest and most competitive of the tournament. Texas Glory Venice 18U Gold comes in undefeated at 6-0, and with a well-rounded team, they look like the team to beat in Pool A. However, the Clearwater Lady Bombers Mason, making their season debut, and Florida Storm National-Masso, coming off a 31-win summer, will be serious contenders. Add in the always-dangerous Tampa Mustangs Bell and you have a stacked pool where every game could feel like a championship bout.

In Pool B, FL Firecrackers Yeary (6-0-1) are off to a blistering start, allowing only two runs in their last tournament. SFL Wagner’s-Kliniewski 18U has also been dominant, scoring 31 runs in their four games this fall. Tampa Mustangs RT and Florida Thunderbolts 25/26 round out a pool full of offensive firepower, setting up what could be a weekend of high-scoring affairs.

Projected Outcome: In Pool A, it’s hard to bet against Texas Glory Venice, but expect tough challenges from Clearwater Lady Bombers Mason and Florida Storm National-Masso. In Pool B, FL Firecrackers Yeary and SFL Wagner’s-Kliniewski look primed for a deep run, but don’t overlook the Tampa Mustangs RT as a team that could make serious noise.

With more than 60 teams battling it out across four divisions, the Elite Mustangs SE Qualifier with Backwards K Tournament is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend of high-level softball.