Laurel Hurricanes Maryland State Champions

Pop Warner Football

We won!! The Laurel Hurricanes won the Maryland State Championship and will be advancing to the Regional competition next week in Pennsylvania. The goal — on to the Superbowl at Disneyworld in December!

In fact, the celebration tonight was tinged with a timeline. “I love you guys,” said Coach Bell, “but only ’till Tuesday. Then it’s back to work.” Tonight was a fantastic win, but these kids have been dreaming of — no, really working toward — making it to Florida all season long.

State Champions!!

Though it was hard to say who was happier, the kids or the coaches tonight. They both earned it. It’s a privilege to be on this team, and really interesting to watch how these coaches have negotiated between giving each kid a pat on the back when he deserves it — and a kick in the backside when needed. . . they are ten years old after all.

We asked Coach Bell what he did to produce such winners year after year.

“Discipline,” said Bell, a former Marine. “[We] teach the boys to listen and learn on the field and listen and learn in the classroom.”

He also teaches them to win.

Laurel Hurricanes, Maryland

But teamwork starts with fun. To begin the pattern of listening and learning as a team, Coach Bell taught the boys the Hurricane’s post-game celebration chant. The Breakdown.

And here it is. Courtesy of the Dreamer, we’ve got a 0.41 second clip of the Hurricanes doin’ the Breakdown.

Did I mention: the State Champion Hurricanes??!!

Julius Weems and Bob Washington

Mom and Dad at the game

Was this helpful? Do comment.

Thank you (foot)notes:

Also posted at Reasoned Audacity as you might have guessed.