Junior Bridgemen Football Teams Make Town Proud

The Fort Lee youth football league season is over, and it ended in triumphant fashion.

Both the Pee Wee and Senior teams won the 2011 Art McDonald Trophy this season after winning their respective championships. The Pee Wee team is made up of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders, while the Senior team is made up of 7th and 8th graders preparing for the quantum leap to .

The head coach of the Pee Wee team is Thomas Delasoudas, and the head coach for the seniors was Chris DePalma. Both men and their hard working assistants are very proud of their teams.

To receive the trophy, the Pee Wee’s defeated Weehawken by a score of 33-18, while the seniors defeated Little Ferry 24-13.

Vice President of the Junior Bridgemen Football League, Joe Tripodi, is very thankful for such a successful season in which two of the leagues three teams won the trophy, and the Junior team of 5th and 6th graders made it all the way to the championship, falling in a nailbiter.

“We are very gratefeul for those who volunteer, which includes the concession stands, logowear sales, equipment handling chain crew, the EMTs, high school students, and especially the coaching staff, who dedicated countless hours of their time to the program,” Tripodi said. “I am honored to be a part of the administration with Joe Surace, the president, Jack DeNichilo and Lucy  Casale, where our main goal is to teach the young men the fundamentals and the spirit of football, good  sportsmanship and the ability to work together as a team. This is with an emphasis on being a good student and a good citizen of the community.”

The season was not all fun and games though, as the teams had to overcome some adversity along the way. But they did so in stride.

“It has been a long season where there were several injuries, which made it challenging for the teams,” Tripodi said. “All in all, we are proud of what the program is today. We are looking forward to continue in making both of our football (flag and tackle) programs to be one of the best football programs in Bergen County and for the residents of Edgewater and Fort Lee.”

It was a fun season for all and an experience none of those who participated in it will soon forget, Tripodi said.

"These young athletes are creating a life experience that they may never duplicate again," he said. "They will remember their football days for the rest of their lives. With hard work, dedication and determination, they can achieve any goal in life that they put their minds to."

Tripodi added, "And to quote Mr. Surace, 'They are all champions.'"