Huntington Beach Chargers – commitment to succeed

January 10, 2005

Worst to First in Southern California  

The Huntington Beach Jr. Pee Wee Green Chargers have a success story you rarely see anymore.  The Superbowl runner-up's team was made up primarily of players who were a dismal  1 – 9 in the 2003 season.  The balance of the team were kids who had a zero playoff experience or didn't play at all.  What's most remarkable is the Chargers had a small amount of older - lighter players, versus their competitors, and no ringers from out of the area.  They turned things around this year and finished the regular season with a record of 8-1, and were destined to make it to Orlando.  

“The kids basically came out of the cellar in their own local league and reached the Pop Warner National Championship game. I can't imagine any team who reached Florida this year, going so far, so fast” quoted Head Coach Marc Dubois.   “Our team was simply looking to be competitive this season, not expecting to win a local or regional title, not to mention vying for a National Championship.”    

The Chargers coaching staff put the kids in a system that accentuated their strengths and hid their weaknesses.  The Charger's  success can also be attributed to a tremendous group of parents who supported the coaches the whole way, and players who were willing to work hard.  The Charger's theme all year long was to be a great teammate first and foremost and ensuring superstar attitudes had no place on the team.  

“I think the kid's and parents were just looking for some structure, some hope, and someone who believed they could beat the odds”  Dubois said.   

The Chargers fared very well in their trip to the Pop Warner Super Bowl, winning their first round game against the CLCF Chiefs (RI) 26-0, and came up short against the National Champion North Philadelphia Aztecs (PA) 32-13.  

The Chargers will approach the 2005 season with the same philosophy of teamwork, discipline, and believing they can do anything they set out to do.  By the 2004 results, it would be hard to disagree.  

The Huntington Beach Chargers participate in the highly competitve Orange Empire Conference in Southern California.

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