Super Bowl Champs!
The Dorchester Eagles 14-and-under football team won a Division 1 national championship in the Pop Warner Super Bowl tournament at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida! This makes the Eagles the first Boston team to win a national title in any age or weight category in 37 years!
According to the Boston Globe, the Eagles defeated the Darby Monarchs of Delaware County, Pa., 20-0, in Pop Warner’s Tomlin Division championship game on rushing touchdowns by Cyrus Cousin, Christian Simmons, and Xavier Blackmon. Dorchester advanced to the title game by beating Chicago’s Next Level Athletics, 31-8, Monday in the semifinals.
The 14 and under team has been practicing from the high heat of August to the chilly November rain at Roberts Field. The kids earned their spot in the big show by practicing 2-3 nights a week, beating the best teams from the northeast, going undefeated with an 11-0 season, and helping the Eagles secure the New England Championship. The competition was tough. But the Dot kids were tougher.
Head coach Tony Hurst, in his 27th year coaching the Eagles, said, “We call these kids The Big Kids. It’s our last year with them. After this, they are on to high school. For me and my coaching staff, we care more about teaching the kids life than football. Report cards are mandatory. Respect for elders- mandatory. Caring about each other – is mandatory.”
Terry “Beefy” Cousins, who has been with Tony and the Eagles for the entire 27 years, was commited to bringing the trophy home to Boston. “I love these kids, every one of them, they are special. Some have been playing together since they were 5 years old. We made it to the big show, and we did it for Boston and all of New England!”
The entire Dorchester Eagles team would like to thank the Dorchester Eagles cheerleaders and all of the people who donated to help defray the costs of bringing 25 kids to Florida. The players especially would like to thank all of their coaches who selflessly dedicated themselves to make them the team and young men they are.
Victory Parade on Saturday
Show the Team some Love
If anyone would like to support the team, The Eagles are a 501c3, as the Dorchester Pop Warner, Tax ID is 04-3237502. Checks can be mailed to the Members Plus Credit Union, attention of Dorchester Pop Warner Eagles, 494 Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester, MA 02124.
There is also a GoFundMe page with all the details here! You can still help out the National Champs with your donation!
Image via Pop Warner
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
