Saturday Championship Game Recaps: Jr. Pee Wee I Pee Wee I Jr. Midget I Midget

Saturday, December 13:

Midget Championship: "Frankford Midgets March To Victory!”

The Frankford Chargers completed a dream season this afternoon by rolling to a 37-6 win over the Oak Ridge Colts from Greensboro, NC in the Pop Warner Division I Midget National Championship game.

“It’s overwhelming,” smiled a tired and happy Head Coach Rasheed Mohammed in the post game celebration here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.  Coach Rasheed added, “Our whole community has been behind this team from the very beginning. I woke up this morning and heard voices of people that I’d heard all season and said, ‘Am I home?’  I mean, all those folks traveled twenty hours to get down here and support us, and now we’ve brought our first ever Pop Warner national title back to Frankford.”

Today’s Midget championship game, shot by NFL Films for airing by ESPN on Christmas Day, started off with a bang.  After the opening introduction of teams to fireworks and the traditional dash onto the playing field through a smoke filled tunnel, the Chargers and Colts offenses both went into high gear. 

The Chargers jumped to an early lead at 6:25 of the first quarter on a 20 yard touchdown by tailback Hakeem Sillman.  The PAT kick attempt was blocked and the score stood at Chargers 6-Colts 0.

But, the Colts fired back with a nifty slant pass-and-run for fifty yards by Braxton Daye . When the PAT attempt failed the score, at 4:20 in the first quarter, was all knotted up at 6-6.

Then, true to their name, the Chargers stormed back. At 1:54 in the first quarter, Kevin Malone powered into the end zone from four yards out. When the PAT kick attempt was blocked, the Chargers led 12-6.

In the 2nd quarter, the Chargers defense took control by holding the Colts vaunted air attack in check. Meanwhile, at 4:05 of the second quarter, Frankford’s super QB Santoni connected with Martin on a 20 yard TD . When the PAT failed, the Chargers lead rose to 18-6.  Then, with five seconds left to go in the first half, Hakeem Sillman popped through the line from one yard out . When the PAT failed, Frankford went to the break with a 24-6 lead.

In the third quarter the Chargers Hakeem Sillman raced wide from nine yards out. When the PAT was blocked, the score grew to Frankford 30- Oak Ridge 6. With 2:30 left in the third quarter, Santoni tossed to Sillman for an amazing 41 yard pass and run. Santoni then completed a pass for a one point conversion and the score was Chargers 37-Colts 6.

Jr. Midget Championship: "Family-Pride Powers Giants!”

“Our goal all year has been about building character,” said Coach Eddie Alford of the Richmond Perrine Giants. Coach Eddie’s Giants were winners in every way today as they scored a 24-0 victory in the Pop Warner D-I Jr. Midget National Championship game over the always tough Asbury Park Blue Bishops. 

The Giants took charge early in this one at the 9:46 mark of the first quarter on a 70 yard kickoff return by Timothy Irvin.  The PAT was no good and the Giants led 6-0.  With 49 seconds to go in the half, Richmond tallied again on a 17 yard pass play, again to T. Irvin, to go up 12-0.

With 1:21 to go in the third quarter, the Giant’s Timothy Irvin busted into the end zone on a two yard run. When the PAT failed, the score was Giant 18-Blue Bishops 0. 

Finally, with eight minutes left to go in the game, the Giants broke a big 64 yard dash to pay-dirt.  When the PAT fell short, the Giants had a 24-0 lead. 

Richmond’s defense played tough all day long, snuffing out several Blue Bishop drives to register their first-ever Pop Warner national championship.

Even in a big victory , the Giants made “respect for others” their top priority. Witness what happened late in the game when , as their offense threatened to score again, Richmond opted to take a knee and run out the clock.

Said Coach Eddie, “One thing we work on is discipline, and treating people the way you’d want to be treated,” said Coach Eddie.  “That’s why we took a knee instead of one more touchdown. We’re not here just to teach football but to push our kids in the right direction for life. “As a key to their success at Disney this week, Richmond coaches also cited “family.” As Coach Eddie put it “Family is what it’s all about. When you’re living with somebody for a week, kids need to know we live by one heartbeat. And that’s how we worked it all week long.“

Congratulations to the Richmond Giants for a terrific championship run, and to the Asbury Park Blue Bishops as well for a super effort at Pop Warner Super Bowl- 2008.

Pee Wee Championship: "White Oak Pee Wees Victorious!”

The White Oak Warrior of Maryland registered a convincing 26-0 win over the Southfield Lathrup Falcons of Detroit in the Pop Warner D-1 Pee Wee National Championship game before a big crowd at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

“Our guys have played hard all season,“ said White Oak’s Head Coach John Vassos. “Our defense has just shut everybody down. They’re fast, they’re quick, they’re strong and they just keep going hard, hard, hard.” 

The White Oak Wariors offense wasn’t too shabby either as they tallied early in the 1st quarter on a ten yard TD by Clarence Allen. When the PAT failed, the Warriors had the lead 6-0. 

Later in the same quarter, White Oak completed a 30 yard TD pass to Terrence Jones.  This time the two-point kick conversion was good and the Warriors lead grew to 14-0.

Clarence Allen scored on a four-yard touchdown pass to help the Warriors close out the first half with a 20-0 lead.

The Falcons managed to cage the Warriors for the 3rd quarter. But in the 4th quarter, White Oak’s C. Allen scored his third touchdown of the day on a two yard plunge.  The PAT failed and the score rose to White Oak 26- Southfield Lathrup 0. 

With the White Oak defense stopping the hard running Falcons on every possession, the Warriors salted away a hard-earned victory and the second championship of this sunny Saturday for a White Oak team. 

Congratulations to the White Oak Warriors and to the Southfield Lathrup Falcons on a great Pop Warner Super Bowl Week-2008!

Jr. Pee Wee Championship: "Warriors Rip Wolverines!”

“I’ve coached with four Pop Warner national championship teams and this is, bar none, the most disciplined, hard hitting team I have ever had,” beamed White Oak Warriors Jr. Pee Wee Head Coach Steve Norcio. 

It’s no wonder Coach Steve had high praise for his team after this morning’s big game here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.  With an “O” line that opened up hole after hole , White Oaks corps of running back ripped through the vaunted defense of the Eastbay Wolverines (from the San Francisco area) time and again for big scoring bursts en route to the Warriors 45-6 triumph.

White Oak tailback Myles Robinson rolled to a modern day Pop Warner Junior Pee Wee-record 5 touchdowns in the Warriors win, while White Oaks defensive coordinator Larry Smith’s troops shut down the slick Wolverine spread formation time after time to maintain ball control for most of the game.

White Oak tallied early in this one after intercepting an Eastbay pass and blasting into the end zone at 6:09 to go in the first quarter. After recovering a Wolverine fumble of the ensuing kickoff, the Warriors scored again on Myles Robinson’s second TD of the day.  Then, after holding the Wolverine’s offense in check, Robinson scored again from 15 yards out on a twisting , slashing run behind some superb blocks to make it White Oak 20- Eastbay 0. 

But the Wolverines refused to give up.  With 9:48 to go in the first half, they ran a swing pas off their spread formation to perfection, racing to pay-dirt from 33 yards out to make the score 20-6.

But today, it was just too much White Oak toughness and speed as the Warriors commanded the second half . Behind the running of Myles Robinson and Casey Stanton, Jr. – who raced 64 yards for a TD- the Warriors prevailed 45-6. Coach Steve had special praise for the studs up front , including Donovon Vassar, Jordon Anthony, Rashan Jones, Devin Garrett, Anthony Tedder, and Jordon Byers.  But, this was a total team victory, and Coach Steve made that clear.

“I’m fifty years old now,” reflected Coach Steve, “And, I gotta tell you, I’ve never had a more attentive, dedicated bunch of kids.  We’ve been hard on them to this point, but they have responded with a terrific season capped by this national championship. We pick kids who do well in school, who pay attention to instruction, and who knuckle down and play as a team.“ Wow!  You can’t ask for more than that.

Friday, December 12:

“Challenger Scores BIG At Disney!”

The temperatures were nippy and the breezes brisk.  But, the smiles were warm and a mile wide on the field and all along the sidelines for the third annual Pop Warner Challenger Division flag football game this morning at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

With Mickey Mouse bringing out the game ball to high fives and hugs from all the players, and New England Patriots wide receiver David Givens firing up all participants with a great pre-game pep talk, the teams from Orange Empire Conference (Wescon Region) and Jersey Shore (Eastern Region) showed us just why Pop Warner Challenger Football and Cheer continues to grow by leaps and bounds.

Two years ago, when I covered the inaugural Challenger game here at Disney between two teams from East Greenbush, NY, I realized just how much this event means to Pop Warner Super Bowl Week and to all the kids, coaches and families involved.  This year, I could see that, like every Pop Warner program, Challenger Division is spreading its message of inclusion, teamwork, learning and fun nationwide on a record pace.

For those of you not familiar with the sport, Pop Warner Challenger Division  gives young people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy football and cheer just like everybody else.  All Challenger games are “flag” football games. And, Challenger Division can accommodate either kids who are physically challenged – and who play in wheelchairs with an on-field  “buddies” assisting them- or kids who are physically mobile.

Today’s game involved teams from Pop Warner’s Orange Empire and Jersey Shore conferences, and all involved were ecstatic over the opportunity to play at this great venue. 

“We’ve had Challenger now for two years,“ said Steve Sherman – Commissioner of the Orange Empire Conference. “Our first year, we had four cities involved. Our second year we had seven cities, and  Challenger just keeps growing.”  Steve adds, “I have given out a lot of trophies as our conference commissioner. But the most pride I’ve ever felt was giving out trophies to these kids. When you look at children and families here overcoming adversity, it makes any problems you or I may have just melt away.”

Vinnie Barto from Jersey Shore seconds Steve Sherman’s enthusiasm for the fun of Pop Warner Challenger.  “We’re from Howell , New Jersey. My son’s playing out there, and we all love it.“ And what do folks all over Jersey Shore think of Pop Warner Challenger Division?  “A long list for next year,” smiled Vinnie. “We have a big support system for our special needs kids in Howell. And, this just adds to it. We have a wonderful coach, Ron Goldsmith, he’s fantastic with the kids. And, we’re happy to be here.“

“I think this is the most wonderful thing that’s happened to Pop Warner in the last few years,” adds Craig Carrahuda from Jersey Shore.  “I think that making a special needs child feel that he or she can also be a champion on a championship field is the greatest accomplishment that Pop Warner has made in years.”

David Givens, Patriots NFL Super Bowl star who personally signed autographs for every player in today’s Challenger game, offered great perspective on the meaning of this day for all involved.

“These kids are out here with a chance to play in a big game on the biggest stage in life for them, right here at Disney," said Givens. That’s why I’m out here supporting them, telling them that they are all winners, just like we were in our own Super Bowl, “ David adds, “They’ve set it up so that the kids all get equal playing time. It’s all set up to be fair and equal. The teamwork and discipline of running the plays, it all builds confidence and character. And, they are all having fun out here.”

Thursday, December 11:

“Frankford’s Man For ALL Seasons!”

Yesterday afternoon, when the Frankford (PA) Chargers Midgets tamed the Detroit Hurricanes 41-12 in a Division I Semi-Final, no one at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex was more elated than Frankford’s “Mister B”–Billy Gambrel.

“Yes sir, one more game and it will be a dream come true for these kids,” beamed Mister B.  Billy Gambrel has plenty of reasons to smile , for win or lose on Saturday, the story of Frankford Pop Warner – 2008 is already the stuff of Pop Warner community legend.

For decades, the kids from Frankford had been playing on a field that dated back to the turn of the century….as in “20th” Century…when the Frankford Yellow Jackets- forerunners of today’s Philadelphia Eagles ruled the roost in professional football.

But, for generations after memories of the Yellow Jackets had buzzed into history, kids in Frankford were still playing on a field that had long since gone to seed- with broken bottles, rocks and tread-ruts from all terrain vehicles greeting every run and every tackle.
For years, hometown mentor Billy Gambrel worked diligently to help young people from the Frankford community to play, learn and grow in an area that constantly battled to stave off urban blight.  In fact, in 1967, his efforts led to the building of the Billy Gambrel Recreation Center.

Yet, over its 46 years, the recreation center, suffered through urban blight and lack of funds. Finally, Mister B decided to work his commitment to community to the max.  Encouraging Philadelphia Eagles owner and CEO Jeffrey Lurie to tour the site earlier this year, Billy won a pledge of support for his dream project during the Eagles 75th Anniversary Season.
And, Mister B’s dream project involved bringing corporations, businesses and individuals together under a program in cooperation for the NFL called “Operation Field Rescue.”  Billy’s goal was to build a whole new Pop Warner football field as the lynch pin for revitalizing the Frankford community.

Finally, by August 18th, 2008 that dream came true. As a result of the hard work and leadership of Billy Gambrel,  the City of Philadelphia, City Council, Fox Sports, Comcast Spectacor and the Philadelphia Eagles, $1.5 million worth of materials, services and human resources resulted in the installation of a modern AstoTurf field, bleachers, new fencing, goal posts, a state-of-the- art scoreboard and other first-class amenities for one of the most fabulous Pop Warner facilities in the country. (Read More About Operation: Field Rescue)

Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program (MAP) artists, under executive director Jane Golden, also created a brand new mural for the Frankford facility showcasing images of Billy Gambrel and Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid. And, to top it all off, Fox Sports Network ‘s "Home Field Advantage," co-produced by Phil Tuckett and Rick Horrow, and hosted by Vince Papale and FSN anchor Laura Okmin, focused on the story of Billy Gambrel and his dream project for Frankford.

As the capper for this great year, the Frankford Chargers will take on the Oak Ridge Colts from Winston-Salem,  North Carolina in Sarturday’s D-I Pop Warner Midget Championship game, to be shot by NFL Films and airing on ESPN family of networks starting Christmas Day.  And, you can bet, Frankford fans would love to have their kids present a National Championship trophy to the guy that made all this possible- Mister B-Frankford’s Man For ALL Seasons!

Watch the Billy Gambrell Feature

Wednesday, December 10:

“Dedicated Star Supports Pop Warner!”

In NFL circles, wide-receiver David Givens is well-known for his dedication to helping the New England Patriots gain multiple Super Bowl Championships.  In Pop Warner circles , David Givens is fast becoming equally well-known for his dedication to the hopes and dreams of young people.

When the East Lynn Bulldogs Pee Wee team was in need of a final funding boost to make sure that all their entire squad could make the trip down here to Pop Warner Super Bowl Week – 2008, David Givens stepped up big time. David volunteered to appear at a fundraising functions, talking to Boston area kids, parents and businesses alike about the importance of teamwork and education, and giving witness to the idea that “hard work pays off.”   That commitment led to securing the added funding that made the East Lynn Bulldogs dream-trip to Disney a reality for every youngster on their New England Region Championship team.
(For an interview with Super Bowl sensation David Givens, click here)  

Today, that dream-trip resulted in a super ending.  After a disappointing opening loss this week to the Southfield-Lathrup Falcons from Detroit, MI, those  battling Bulldogs from East Lynn, MA came growling back to top the Nanakuli Hawks from Hawaii in a tight 24-16 game.

The Hawks opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 68 yard TD  bomb. A two-point kick conversion made the score Nanakuli 8- East Lynn  0.  In the ensuing possession, the Bulldogs broke loose on an 80 yard touchdown scamper, only to have the play called back on a penalty.  But, unfazed, the Bulldogs struck back with 6:46 left in the half on a 27 yard touchdown sprint . The PAT fell short and the score at the end of the half stood Nanakuli 8- East Lynn 6.

Then, with 6:14 to go in the third quarter, the Bulldogs struck again with 32 yard TD run.  The PAT failed, but the Bulldogs now had the lead at 12-8.

In the 4th quarter, with an enthusiastic East Lynn crowd roaring, and dedicated fan David Givens lending his support along the sidelines, the Bulldogs went into high gear. The ‘Dogs tallied with 9:50 to go on a 21 yard touchdown pass . The PAT failed but the score grew to 18-8.  Then, with 8:11 to go in the game, the alert Bulldog secondary picked off a Hawk pass and rumbled 67 yards for another touchdown. The PAT was snuffed, and the score now stood Bulldogs 24-
Hawks 8 .

But, this one was far from over. With 5:36 to go in the game, the Hawks blasted into the end zone on a 3 yard carry . Again, their kick for the two point PAT was good and the margin narrowed to Bulldogs 24-Hawks 16. 

With under two minutes to play, East Lynn drove down to the Nanakuli 10 yard line, only to be stopped by a fired-up Hawk defense. 

Nanakuli then launched a desperate drive down field. Completing a long third down pass along the right sideline, followed by a huge 40 yard pass and run down the left sideline, the Hawks were suddenly first down and goal to goal at East Lynn 12 yard line. 

But with ten seconds left , the Bulldogs right corner leaped high to intercept a Hawk pass at his own goal line and East Lynn preserved their hard fought 24-16 victory.

Super effort by both the Bulldogs and the Hawks!  Congratulations to East Lynn on a big win at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week. And, a big Pop Warner shout-out to David Given – an NFL star with dedication to the growth and well-being America’s young people.!

Watch the Interview With David Givens

Tuesday, December 9 (Entry 2):

“Top-Notch Tuesday Shootouts!”

Good coaching and hard-nosed determination on both sides of the ball keyed some excellent Division II games on this warm Tuesday. It’s a real treat for football fans to see the quality of play here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, and this morning’s games were a classic case in point.

The road warrior Western NY Bills went up against the tough North Long Beach Panthers from SoCal in today’s 9:00 am Jr. Pee Wee semi-final game. When last we last saw the gutsy Bills, they were gaining an opening round win on Saturday, just a half day after their 27 hour bus ride to Disney from snowy Buffalo.

From today’s opening kickoff, it looked like the Bills would pick up right where they left off. On their first possession, they drove downfield  to the Long Beach 12 yard line.  But, just as they appeared ready to score, an errant pitch from the Bills quarterback to his tailback ended up in the arms of a Panther linebacker who raced 90 yards in the opposite direction for a touchdown.   

With the defenses stepping up for both the Panthers and the Bills, the score remained 6-0 .  Then, late in the 4th quarter, the Bills tailback busted loose on a 30-yard sprint to the end zone to tie the game at 6-6. 

Rolling into first overtime, the teams traded TDs to make it 12-12. Then, in the second OT, the Bills drove down to the Panthers one-yard line. But, on 4th down and goal to go, the alert Panther defense stripped the ball from the Bills ball carrier to take possession.   Going over to defense, the Bills looked like they would send this one into a third overtime . But, on 4th and a half –yard to go for a TD, the Panthers “O” line surged forward just enough to allow the Panther halfback to squeeze into the end zone with the score, touching off a wild celebration.  (click here to see the dramatic close).

North Lone Beach will now go on to play the Capital City Steelers from Raleigh, NC for the D-II Jr. Pee Wee National Championship on Friday at 9:00 am here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

The edge-of –your-seat action continued with the 11:00 am game when Port St. Lucie Pirates (FL) took on the Union Road Jaguars (NC) in a Pee Wee Division II semi-final game.  In this one, neither team wanted the other to gain any kind of lasting advantage. Witness the fact that deep into the 4th quarter, the score was all knotted up at 22-22.  But, when the Jags held the Pirates on a fourth down play at the Union Road 25 yard line with 5:00 minutes to play, that’s when good fortune, and determination worked in the Jags favor.

“This game had been nose-to-nose all day,” said Jags Head Coach Mike Priestly. “Things went our way when we made that stop on fourth down.“  Switching to offense, the Jags went on a determined drive down field, punching the ball inside and then busting loose on two inside reverses for big yardage.  “We ran the Calande Double Wing . It’s all about smashmouth football and our kids executed it well on that offensive drive”. 

Knocking out big runs of 35 and 28 yards, Union Road rolled to a TD putting them up 28-22 .  (to see one of those runs click here) But , when the Pirates got the ball with less than two minutes to play in the game, the action was far from over.  With the Pirate quarterback dropping back and slinging the ball downfield, they came within inches of completing a big gainer.  And, the last play of the game ended with the Pirates running a reverse for a 35 yard gain down the sidelines, before the Jags defense wrestled their tailback out of bounds as the clock ran out.   Final score – Union Road 28- Port St. Lucie 22.

“We played a great Pirate team today. Our kids’ toughness really had to show for us to win this one. And, they did,” said Coach Priestly.  The Jags coaches all praised their sponsors and their community supporters which made this whole dream week possible.  Union Road now plays Friday for the D-II Pee Wee National Championship against the powerful Raritan Bay Cougars (NJ).

Watch for more reports on all the football action soon!

Tuesday, December 9 (Entry 1):

“Big-Plays, Big-Performances, BIG-Coverage Morning!”

You say you like plenty of variety in your Pop Warner action?  If so , you’ve had your heart’s desire out here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports this Tuesday A.M.
Division II teams from Buffalo, Long Beach, Raleigh-Durham and Sparks, Nevada kicked off our action at the Hess Sports Field while, at the same time,  Pee Wee Large and Small Squad Cheer rocked The Milk House. 

With ESPN 360 covering all the action “live” on the gridiron and SE Video streaming full – program coverage of the Cheer competition (available on popwarnersuperbowl. com) Pop Warner fans from all over the country have been able to take in the action without missing a beat! 

In all the years I’ve been covering Pop Warner Super Bowl Week, I’ve never seen so much media coverage of this incredible week of teamwork, competition and fun.  And, a big shout-out for SUPER Pop Warner football coverage this morning goes to ESPN for their excellent coverage of the football action.Check out ESPN 360 at sports.espn.go.com/broadband/espn360/beta/index

Here’s the skinny …ESPN360.com is ESPN's signature 24/7 broadband sports network.  This week, they will be providing live coverage of select semifinal and quarterfinal games (Dec. 9-10) from this 52nd Pop Warner Super Bowl. Coverage kicked off at 9 a.m. today. And, they’ll go again tomorrow - Wednesday, Dec. 10. Altogether ESPN 360 will feature coverage of a combined eight games. Here’s the schedule:

Mr. Damon Phillips, V.P of ESPN 360 had high praise for all the teams, coaches, parents and volunteers at Disney’s Wide World of Sports this week. "The Pop Warner Super Bowl captures what the sport is all about,” said Mr. Phillips.  “It balances everything that we love about football -- teamwork, sportsmanship and a healthy dose of competition.  We’re pleased to bring this event to our young fans and their families.”

ESPN’s Paul Severino is providing play-by-play commentary and has been joined, very ably, by former NFL player and current Denver Broncos color analyst David Diaz-Infante for each of the games streamed on ESPN360.com. 
Severino is one of the hosts for ScoreCenter, a 30-minute sports news program featuring the day’s best highlights and scores which is distributed across ESPN Mobile TV.  In addition to his duties hosting ESPN Mobile TV shows, Severino has also reported for ESPN.com.  Diaz-Infante was an offensive guard during his NFL career and has played for the San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.

If you haven’t been tuning in to all the action, by all means join us for the fun all day long from today through Saturday for the “big play, big performance, big coverage” excitement and thrills of Pop Warner Super Bowl-2008

“POP” CULTURE- GAME NOTES:

Okay, all you Pop Warner aficionados. Did you know this ?  More than 70 percent of current NFL players (e.g. Reggie Bush, Adrian Peterson, Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer) and five of the past six Heisman Trophy winners (Tim Tebow, Matt Leinart, Troy Smith, Bush and Palmer) launched their football careers in Pop Warner.

Monday, December 8:

“Sensational Spirit Sparks Cheer Competition!”

Check out Monday's Blog in Video Format

It’s been a fabulous opening day today for Pop Warner Cheer competition here at Disney’s Wide World of Sports.

Now for those of you not familiar with what’s on the line at Pop Warner Cheer National Competition, it’s about two and a half minutes…that’s the goal for every Pop Warner Cheer squad from the first time they meet in August every year.  Two and a half minutes for a routine that can build spirit and involvement with Pop Warner fans throughout your community, league, division, and region all season long. And now at Pop Warner Super Bowl Week, 2 ½ minutes of near perfection , and a little luck, can bring you a whole lot of  national honors for your squad .

But, while anticipation over scoring top national honors in your 2 ½ minutes on the mats in front of the big crowd and all the lights, camera and action  is a big part of all the excitement here at The Milk House, it’s only part of the fun at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex on the opening day of Cheer/Dance competition.

With a Parade of Champions, Tony the Tiger, former  Patriots Super Bowl wide receiver David Givens and the one and only Mickey Mouse helping to generate all the excitement, it’s no wonder that the Milk House was rocking today for the Jr. Pee Wee Small and Large Group Cheer competition.

Check out our website at popwarnersuperbowl. Com for all the winners in both the morning and afternoon sessions here at The Milk House. And, a special shoutout to the Avalon Wolves who garnered the coveted SPIRIT AWARD , which as every Pop Warner fan knows is THE most important award in all of Pop Warner Cheer and Dance.

Here’s a great tip. Every day this week, we’re featuring live streaming video of the entire Pop Warner Cheer and Dance Competition.  To find out how you can sign up, and not miss a beat. Just click on our website at popwarner.com/08superbowl/videostreaming.asp

Sunday, December 7:

“A-C-T... I-O-N Is The Word For The Day!”

Hello again to all you Pop Warner football fans!  Bob Field reporting from sunny and cool Disney’s Wide World of Sports.  It’s been a long day and an A-1 perfect weather day for the opening games of the Division I play at the Pop Warner National Championships – 2008. 

And, what a feast for the eyes and ears!  Sunday’s slate featured some HUGE games by Division I teams, and some wonderful testimonials to the power of positive sportsmanship.  And that’s the sort of Pop Warner championship package you love to see.

“So what happened?”  Well, since it’s 8:00 PM and we’ve been piling up video features all day, I’m going to give you one preview of what you’ll see tomorrow morning on popwarnersuperbowl.com.

And that preview IS???? The heart pounding finish of the Sweetwater Hawks (FL) and the Cary Chargers (NC) Pee Wee game from Sunday morning . With the Hawks holding a 6-0 lead and about three minutes left in a tough defensive struggle, the Chargers went to a slick looking spread-offense .  “We have some kids who can handle the ‘no huddle’ and we knew we had to push the ball down the field quickly, “ the Cary coaches told us.  And “push” they did! 

With the Chargers fanning out their wide-receivers in a classic spread offense, and their quarterback dropping back into a shotgun set, they the boys from NC started click through the air on play- after-play.  Driving down to the Hawks 25 yard line with a first and ten, and 40 seconds left to go , it looked like the Chargers were headed were sure to strike pay-dirt. But, that’s where the Hawks secondary stepped it up. “ We coached our kids to stay-at-home on their defensive assignments.” The Hawk coaches told us.  “Our corners and safeties stayed glued to their wides . They needed to, because their quarterback was getting off his passes. ”  Two last second passes by the Chargers were batted away in the corner of the end zone, and Sweetwater had one “sweeeeeet” win!

And, that’s just the start! Check in with us again tomorrow for all the fabulous “A-C-T…I-O-N”  from today’s games, AND the opening competition from The Milk House with Pop Warner Cheer and Dance – 2008.

Saturday, December 6:

“Welcome To Dazzling Disney!”

Well, here we are at long last! After a BIG time, highly competitive season, the best–of-the-best in Pop Warner Division II Football from around the country had the honor today of kicking off the 11th straight Pop Warner Super Bowl at dazzling Disney’s Wide World of Sports. 

What a week this will be!  With a record number of “first time evers” taking on plenty of repeat teams, in both Division I and II, the excitement is already at a peak of anticipation.  And, “football” is just one part of the Super Bowl Week magic for Pop Warner.  Starting Monday, The Milk House here at Disney’s WWS will be rockin’ with plenty of Cheer & Dance squads putting their best routines on the line in search of the gold.  I’m telling you, folks, this promises to be one of the most exciting Pop Warner Super Bowl weeks of all time, and I’ve seen plenty of them. 

In fact, this is my 15th year of covering the National Championships for what I consider to be THE best youth sports organization in the USA.   In good times and uncertain times. Year after year,  Pop Warner shows off just how devoted  America’s communities, large and small alike,  can be to the academic, athletic and social well-being of youngsters from ages 5-16 years old.

With emphasis on hard work, fun, team play, good fundamentals, safety and respect for all, Pop Warner continues to gain accolades from everyone involved in the “Pop Warner Way”. 

And here, on Day One, I saw that community commitment to kids everywhere I turned. Exhibit Number Uno  - the battling Junior Pee Wee Western New York Bills from the great city of Buffalo.  After winning their first ever Region Championship to qualify for Nationals , Head Coach Larry Thompson’s team, assistant coaches and parent chaperones boarded a bus in Buffalo AND.

”We traveled 27 hours to get down here,“ said a tired but happy Coach Thompson. “Eight inches of snow on the ground back there right now. We left it all behind us at about 11:30 PM on Thursday and arrived here at 2:30 this morning.  We played the game today just a bit sluggishly in this great 70 degree weather, but we did okay.“ 

I’ll say they did okay!  (Watch a Video Clip one of WNY's TD Runs) The Bills played a tough, disciplined opening game against the slick, speedy Santa Fe (FL) Raiders . With hard running slants and an inspired defense, the Bills powered their way to an exciting 21-13 victory and the right to advance to the semi-finals against North Long Beach (CA) Panthers on Tuesday. 

“Our parents, the Mayor, and the whole city of Buffalo, everybody back home has been 100 percent behind us.  We set our sights on coming here from the very start of the season. And, this whole trip has already been an incredible experience. Our kids have endured a whole lot to get here and we are so proud of them.” 

As well they should be!  27 hours on the bus followed by a full tilt effort on the football field! Yikes!!  That’s what we call a “winning attitude” by everyone involved.  A tired Coach Thompson adds, with a twinkle, “We want to be the first Buffalo Bills team to win a Super Bowl.”  Great line!  And, who knows. Two more games and their dream may come true.

But, here’s the thing to remember. The hustling Santa Fe Raiders, the sturdy Western NY Bills, and every one of the combined Divisions I & II Pop Warner teams playing here this week, is at the very top of their game. With over 4,000 Pop Warner teams competing in leagues and conferences nationwide, just to qualify for Super Bowl Week at Disney makes every player and coach a winner in the very best sense! 

So buckle up your chinstraps, run your very best plays, put on your game faces and get ready to strut your stuff on the beautiful fields at Disney’s Wide World of Sports for another great Pop Warner Super Bowl Week. 

And, all you fans out there, get set for plenty of extras as we bring you blogs, features and streaming video of this incredible week day, after day, after day.  Here we go with Pop Warner Super Bowl Week-2008!  More action at dazzling Disney soon!