Just so cute

This is a big football weekend for folks in Philadelphia with the pagentry of the Army/Navy game Saturday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field and the showdown between the Eagles and the hated Cowboys Sunday night in Dallas.

I would argue that the best game this weekend will feature the boys from the North Philadelphia Athletic Club playing for The National Championship Division 1 title in pee wee football in Orlando, Florida. It’s the modern-day Pop Warner Superbowl that began as The Santa Claus Bowl in 1947.  The North Philly Blackhawks probably don’t want to be considered cute, but that’s exactly what they are in their black and yellow uniforms and helmets.

They look like mini-me professionals who aren’t interested in celebrating touchdowns in the obnoxious manner that too many pros do. Watching 10-and-12 year-olds having fun running, catching and kicking is a great reminder of the purity of the game. And how refreshing to know that individual stats aren’t even kept at this level.    These are the deserving youngsters who asked for and received help from Philadelphians to pay for their trip to Florida. They maintain good grades, work as a team and genuinely listen to their coach who has their best interest at heart.After winning the game that earned them a shot at the championship, Head Coach Derrick Williams immediately thanked Philadelphians for their emotional and financial support.  Thank you, coach, and your darling little boys. But don’t tell them I called them that.Note: The North Philly Blackhawks are the Division 1 Pee Wee National Champions. They won 20-to-16 over The Sweetwater Hawks on Saturday. You can see a replay of the game at ESPN3.com.

Check out this video of the Blackhawks from Elizabeth Fiedler and Kimberly Paytner.