32 in a Row and Still Counting...

by Scott McAdams, Pop Warner
Friday, Dec. 11, 2009

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL. –ORLANDO, FL. – Any spectator would be impressed with the discipline of Eddie Alford’s club, the Richmond Giants, FL. 

But when asked, Alford would argue that they need to not only maintain their discipline, but improve upon it if they want to be successful.

“We need to keep our discipline and stay patient defensively,” said Alford.

Alford’s defending champions of the Jr. Midget league in Division I and winners of 32 in a row, bumped up a weight class/age group for the 2009 season.  They clearly haven’t skipped a beat.

After defeating the Santa Clara Lions, CA, 34-0, Wednesday afternoon the Giants advance to their second consecutive Pop Warner Super Bowl.  They will square off with the Oak Ridge Colts, NC at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Both teams have a lot of talent and experience heading into the contest.  The Oak Ridge Colts lost in this game one year ago today.  Coach Alford and his squad are aware that their opponent may still have a sour taste in their mouth.

“The Colts are a very good team and I’m sure they’re hungry for a victory,” said Alford, “We’ve seen everything though, coming out of the Southeast Region, and we have a lot of weapons offensively.”

One of the weapons Alford may have been alluding to is his running back, Timothy Irvin, nephew of former Dallas Cowboy great and Professional Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.  Timothy Irvin has proven this week here that he can make things happen.

Irvin runs the ball, catches passes and returns kicks for Richmond and he will be a key factor in the outcome of Saturday’s game.

The Richmond community has embraced Pop Warner Football and everything it has to offer Alford explained.  With a combination of returning players and new ones, its program has helped these players to grow as individuals.

“Some of my older guys look out for the new players whether it be on the field, in study hall or just out in the community,” said Alford.

Alford strategically picked his players hotel rooms to have some diversity in age, placing one older guy and one younger in a room together. 

“This brings us closer together as a team,” said Alford.

The humble coach stressed that his job is made easy by the support system of the players’ parents.  The Richmond parents have made sure their kids have food to eat and a positive living environment.  All Alford and his staff need to worry about is what goes on between the lines.

Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc. serves as a youth organization that is focused on success on the playing field and in the classroom.  The Richmond Giants have proven to be a positive role model for what the program exemplifies.

This week’s Super Bowl has presented a wealth of talent which is nothing new.  Five of the last seven NCAA Heisman Trophy winners competed in Pop Warner Football programs around the nation. 

It is more than possible the Richmond Giants, or any team for that matter, are displaying the top collegiate athletes of the future.

The game can be seen through our live video stream at www.espn360.com.