By Brian Gilliland, Associate Editor

(Jan. 11, 2018) The Berlin Town Council lauded its national champion junior varsity Pop Warner football team during its first 2018 meeting Monday night, presenting the squad with a $500 check to fund a barbecue celebration once warmer weather comes.

Each member of the team and coaching staff was presented with a commendation from the council.

“At your early age you’re already leading by example,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “It shows you don’t have to be old to be a leader.”

Williams said he hoped the team enjoyed what he called the “athletic components” of being on a winning team, but took the lessons of being on a winning squad to heart.

“No one did this alone, and I want you to carry that forward. It’s very easy for one person to cause havoc and what I call evil, while doing good takes working together,” Williams said.

Williams then presented the check to fund a town-wide celebration of the team to be held at Stephen Decatur Park this spring. No date has been set.

The Berlin team won the national crown on Dec. 7, beating California’s Southern Marin Broncos 39-14 at the Wide World of Sports competition held at Walt Disney World.

Berlin Pop Warner cheerleaders also attended the event in Orlando and finished sixth overall, achieving their highest score of the year.