Millstone Eagles Pop Warner teams glided into postseason and continue to soar. The PeeWee teamdefeatedMonroe Nov. 1 to take home the title of Central Jersey Division II champions. After beating Ocean 8-0 Nov. 8, the Pee Wee team has an 11-0 record and has advanced to the second round of Eastern Regional playoffs.
Above: Millstone Eagles Pop Warner Pee Wee Jake Alessi tackles Monroe’s running back for a loss on the play during the Central Jersey Division II championship game on Nov. 1. Right: Millstone Eagles Pop Warner Pee Wees Mike Curry (l) and Mike Hart team up to stop Monroe from scoring. This is the first time in Millstone Eagles Pop Warner history that the Pee Wee team brought home the Central Jersey Division II champion trophy.
“Our Pop Warner Program is only six years old and to have the success we’ve had is amazing,” Pee Wee Head Coach Mike Turner said. “This is Millstone’s first-ever Pee Wee championship and it’s a testament to all the dedicated volunteers that we have in our program.”
Turner said the Pee Wee’s victory has truly been a team victory.
“We don’t highlight any one player on our team and that is why we’re successful,” he said. “No superstars, just one team. Every one of our players is very important in the success of our program.”
Turner said the team of 22 players works hard and has both discipline and dedication. He also noted that there has been total cooperation among players, parents and coaches this season.
“The feeling of becoming champions this year has been extremely satisfying,” he said. “We have overcome many obstacles this season. It was definitely the best victory we’ve ever had.”
Turner said the team had many memorable moments this season, but without a doubt the most memorable was winning the championship game against Monroe.
“Monroe had beat us last year in the play-offs and it wasn’t done in a very respectful way,” he said. “So beating them in such a big game was the culmination a fantastic season.”
Other members of the Pee Wee coaching staff are offensive coordinator Mark Henry, line coach Jeff Pritchard, special teams coach Al Morrone, defensive coach Rich Mullarkey, assistant offense coach Steve Alessi and junior coach Eddie Dziepak.
The Millstone Eagles Pop Warner Pee Wee team celebrates victory after defeating Monroe on Nov. 1 to become Central Jersey Division II champions. Domenic Borelli hoists the trophy for the team. Turner said Pop Warner coaches help players learn important life lessons about overcoming obstacles; reaping the rewards of hard work, good sportsmanship, and teamwork; never giving up; and believing in themselves. He also said that Pop Warner helps the community at large by bringing it together.
The Millstone Eagles Pop Warner Junior Pee Wee team has been recognized as Central Jersey’s runner-up. The team has an 11-1 record and has advanced to the second round of the Garden State Tournament after beating Colts Neck 14-0 Nov. 8 in the first round.
Millstone Eagles Pop Warner is also proud of its Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee and Junior Midgets cheerleading squads. The Junior Midget and Pee Wee team took home first place trophies for winning the Central Jersey Cheer Competition. The Junior Pee Wee team took home third place. All of the teams will compete in the Eastern Region Cheer Championships 2009 Nov. 21-22.
 Millstone Eagles Pop Warner Pee Wee Head Coach Mike Turner presents the championship trophy to his team after defeating Monroe on Nov. 1 to become Central Jersey Division II champions. |