HAMPTON ROADS (WVEC) — A group of local 8-year-olds traveled to Florida for a football tournament and came back national champs.
But, to them, this win was more than just about being crowned champions. It was about making a little history while they were at it.
This month, the Hampton Roads Cavaliers played in the first ever American Youth Football tournament in Florida for their age group. They returned to Hampton Roads as champions.
"We had to win a conference championship, then a state championship, then a regional championship, then the whole nation," said Frankie Knox, the President of the Hampton Roads Cavaliers.
The team has been together for four years, and in that time span, they've gone 53-1.
This year, they beat the team that handed them that loss in a state tournament.
Even though they're kids, Knox hopes the kids take away more than just football from this experience.
"It took a family unit to make this happen. All of the parents, the whole organization, as well as the coaches, to understand the magnitude of it," said Knox.
"We pretty much are on academics. We teach them not everybody's going to be a football player, some will be lawyers, doctors...so it's not about football all the time on and off the field," said Deveron Clayton, the head coach.
Cheryl Phistner's son is on the team and he loves football. She said even he has learned through this experience to enjoy the game and has learned life lessons.
"Anytime that I have to say anything to him, I'll do it football related to let him know that 'hey, remember your discipline that football gives you,'" she said.
Knox said the organization's numbers show the discipline from the kids in all age groups.
Within the Cavaliers organizations, they have a nearly 90 percent honor roll rate and on the field, the record over the last four years is 252-28.
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