Local Pop Warner team advances to national tournament

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the first time since 1992 the Wilmington Coastal Pop Warner Eagles will have a team headed to the Pop Warner Nationals at Walt Disney World.

Eric Thompson, Eagles head coach, said they have played their way to top and they are getting ready.

“We’re preparing for this big game in Florida and we’ve been competing at high levels all year,” said Thompson. “Our kids are dedicated in the classroom and on the field. We push our kids to give us the best.”

Jaylen Dekine, an Eagles player, said he is ready to play.

“You don’t get this every day, you don’t get a chance like this,” said Dekine.

His teammate Tazhan Beverly agrees.

“For us to make it down there it’s like a big experience for us,” said Beverly.

Thompson said his players deserve the opportunity to play on the national stage.

“They’re special,” said Thompson. “I’ve had most of them since they were six, and I’ve watched them grow into men, into athletes, we recommend for them to stay active and excel every day, that’s what we are about,” said Thompson.

He said that encouragement is what these players need and players understand that as well.

“I go school, as soon as I get out of school, I do homework and then I come to football practice and it just keeps me away from all the violence and stuff,” said Beverly.

Making it to a national tournament is a small victory compared to what these players get from Coach Thompson.

“He’s one of the role models I look up to,” said Dekine.

“He’s like a football dad to me,” said Beverly. “He’s the best coach I’ve had.”

The Eagles are trying to raise money for the trip, click here if you would like to help send them to the Sunshine State.