Swarm Football Team Wins Pop Warner Championship

From community member Rita Murphy:

Pop Warner’s Division III Midget division Championship game between the number 1 seed Shorewood Spartans and the number 2 seed Darien Swarm was played at on Nov. 6^th. The teams had met twice before, with each team taking away a victory. The game was set to be a tough re-match between two outstanding Pop Warner football teams.

Despite losing their first two games by wide margins, the Swarm players never gave up on the season.

“That’s what I love about these kids” remarked Head Coach John Maher “Throughout the season, this team grew into a close knit unit that raised their level of play every week.”

As the Swarm quarterback added, “A slow start does not mean a slow, bad finish.” With each game, their confidence in themselves and their teammates grew, culminating into a 6-1 run and entry into the Midget Division Championship game against Shorewood.

Darien’s desire and confidence carried the day in a flawless execution of the offensive game plan. Four different Swarm players scored touchdowns, including two touchdown passes. The defense executed just as well, keeping Shorewood out of the end zone until late in the third quarter. The defense also blocked a punt on Shorewood’s 5 yard line, setting up one of Swarm’s early touchdowns. As Swarm’s offense took a knee to end the game, the players drenched Coach Maher with water, capping their 40-12 victory over Shorewood.

Additionally, a large crowd turned out in support of the players. The Swarm cheering section included family members, friends and staff from surrounding schools, including Herrick Middle School and Lakeview Junior High.

Team members: Sean Barto, Collin Bogacz, Carson Christ, Keith Garber, Frankie Gordey, Thomas Kavanaugh, Ryan Kirin, Tyler Korous, Francis Kowara, Christopher Lauer, Julian Maher, Quinn McAnally, Jason Meier, Conner Murphy, Roemello Velez, Jared Whitacre and Richard Williams. Assistant Coaches: Mike Riordan and Robert Murphy.

The Swarm is a youth football program based in Darien affiliated with Pop Warner Little Scholars. Teams include players from Darien, Downers Grove, Woodridge and Burr Ridge. For more information go to darienswarm.com.