By ALEX SPONSELLER The Edgewood football 12-U and 8-U teams took home New England Championship victories this past weekend, as the 12’s beat the Hamden Hurricanes 19-0 and the 8’s topped the Seymour Tigers 26-6.

The 8’s season is officially over with the victory, as the age bracket does not travel for nationals. As for the 12’s the fun is just beginning as the team is set to make the trip down to Orlando, Florida to compete at nationals.

“The kids are on Cloud 9. We weren't expected to win considering the size and strength of the other team. For our kids to overcome that adversity and to win, it was a phenomenal experience for these kids and taught them that if you put your mind to something, you can achieve it,” said Edgewood 12-U coach Kevin Harrison-Lombardi, who felt that team chemistry was its biggest strength this fall. “We preached all year to play for each other, our mantra was ‘Who’s got your back?’ We aren’t a bunch of individuals, it truly is a team. They watch out for each other and there’s great communication on the field.”

As the Eagles get set to fly south for a three-game set, they are confident in their abilities and are embracing the underdog mentality.

“They’re so, so happy and they’re happy for one another. There is unfinished business and they really feel that they are going to win the next three games. They believe in themselves, it’s all on them. They have overcome a lot this year,” said Harrison-Lombardi.

NOTE: The Edgewood 12-U team has set up a Cheddar Up fundraising account for interested parties to help contribute toward the players’ trips. To donate, visit https://my.cheddarup.com/c/edgewood-12u-national-championship-fundraiser