Monday is the start of the cheer competitions.  Junior Peewee is all day, 8:00am – 6:00pm.  OSPW does not have any cheer teams down in Florida this year, good luck to our all of the New England Region teams who are competing today.

Both the New Haven Steelers and Brookline-JP Patriots who will move onto to the 2nd round of Division 1 games on Wednesday.

I’ve been part of both AYF and Pop Warner championships.  The Pop Warner event is far and away the cadillac experience, from both the administrator side but more importantly, the kid/player side.  Everything this event does revolves around what would be awesome for the kids.  From the complex to the events – and even when Mickey and Goofy show up at the games to meet and great with the kids – four hours in this heat – it all revolves around making this trip something special (ok – magical).

Football and cheer events are the main purpose and keeping the players focused is task.  Disney & Pop Warner have done an amazing thing here with everything else surrounding the event so it becomes more than just a game, it’s an event – one the will remember for quite a while.

Nothing, well nothing football related anyway.

The teams are bringing their kids to the Disney parks for most of the day.  Tomorrow is homework then practice – prepping  for their games on Tuesday.

Well that was a long day for OSPW.

Game 1: Mt Hope Cowboys vs Kapolei Titans

Mt Hope started us off in the Peewee division with a game against the Kapolei Titans from Hawaii.  The game was close, the Titans ran the Single Wing and played good defense.  Mt Hope was able to move the ball up the middle most of the game but in short yard increments.  Getting to the outside was a challenge for both teams because of the combined speed.

Mt Hope lost the starting running back, Jermaine (#1) with a knee issue in the 1st half.  Trainers looked at him and said he could not return.  We’ll know more about his status for Tuesday’s game most likely by tomorrow.  Mt Hope had trouble in the 1st half recovering from the loss of Jermaine.  They hung in there though and didn’t quit.  They had 2 opportunities in the red zone but came up just short both times.

Finals Score: 16-0 Kapolei Titans

Game 2: EP Jr Townies vs N. Raleigh Bulldogs (NC)

Where to start, this game was tough.  The first quarter was rough for EP, they came out flat, and looked a bit nervous as well.  That cost them.  In the first quarter alone, the bulldogs had a recovery of an EP turnover, 2 blocked punts, 2 scoop and scores, and a short field – inside the 5 yard line.  Score at the end of the 1st quarter, 24-0 Bulldogs.  by halftime, the score was 31-0 Bulldogs and the clock was running – for the rest of the game.

EP played a much better second half.  They moved the ball well but were up against a very quick clock.  EP had 2 players go to the hospital,  their starting running back (#2) and their starting quarterback (#4), both left the game with head/neck injuries.  We’ll know more about their status for Tuesday’s game most likely by tomorrow.

All in all, a rough day.  Their second games are on Tuesday. Here are the matchups:

Menlo-Atherton Vikings (CA) vs Mt. Hope Cowboys (RI) @ 10:30 am
EP. Jr. Townies (RI) vs Cedar Crest Comets (TX) @ 1:15 pm