Portage Pop Warner team returns home as victors of the Pop Warner Super Bowl

Portage Pop Warner team returns home as victors of the Pop Warner Super Bowl

Coached by Derrick Arnett, the Portage Pop Warner 10U Indians football team was undefeated with an impeccable record of 14-0 this season. The team consisted of 21 eight, nine and ten-year-olds who competed in divisions based on their age/weight ranges (Jr. Pee Wee).

Throughout the season, Arnett found a contributing factor that established the foundation for the Indians’ success.

“The players' disciplined and focused attitude this season greatly contributed to our success,” Arnett said. “The boys and the coaching staff put a set of goals together in early August and the goals were to finish our regular season, win a state championship, win a regional championship and go down to Florida to play against the best teams in the country. With everyone so disciplined and focused, it made it easier to ensure our success on the field.”

pop warner team

In addition to the success of their regular season, the Indians won the state championship and proceeded to become victors in the 5-state regional championship in Indianapolis. In the end, they advanced to the national championship in Sarasota, Florida.

“It was very exciting advancing from the state championship to the regional championship,” Arnett said. “Just knowing that the boys had worked extremely hard this season to achieve their goal, especially after the team came up short in the regional championship game last year. This year the boys put forth their best effort which resulted in the excitement when we found out we would be heading down to Florida representing the 11 states right here in Mid-America.”

By advancing to the national championship, the Indians were guaranteed to play two games at the Super Bowl. After defeating the Fellowship Lions from Sarasota, Florida in the national championship game by a score of 18-6, the Indians were crowned victors of the 2020 Pop Warner National Championship.

portage pop warner team

“Playing against two teams in Florida, the team was excited. We wanted to play the best in the country, and we got just that,” Arnett said. “To be honest, when we got there we were outmatched athletically; the boys that we were playing were so fast and athletic that the difference really came down to our team being more disciplined. The game was a David versus Goliath scenario where nobody really gave us the chance when they saw the match up. In the end however, the boys dominated the game and brought home the championship.” 

While the team and coach Arnett are savoring their moment as victors, they are optimistic for the seasons to come.

“We are trying to build a program at Portage at all levels and not just the one that was successful this season. After the success of this season, people are starting to see that if they want their child to play football at a high caliber, they should come to Portage Pop Warner and sign up,” Arnett said. “I am excited about the team I plan to coach next year, but even more excited to see the multiple levels that we’re going to be able to put out next year and get on the field to hopefully have the same success at multiple levels. For me, the end goal is for the program to excel for many seasons to come.”