Mighty Mite Vikings Of South Brunswick Show The True Definition Of Football

by Melissa Caruso

Hazing, concussion, scandal - unfortunately today these are the words surrounding football. But if you ask a South Brunswick football parent, player, or coach the words you hear will be much different… Family, Integrity, Pride.

These are the words that best define the heart of South Brunswick football. Our Mighty Mite Viking team was a true example of this in the 2014 season. Early August, a group of seven, eight, and nine year old boys walked onto a field. While some were experienced players, some had never played the game before.

They came from different schools, walks of life, ethnic heritages, and family backgrounds. With a lower enrollment for football seeming to be a trend statewide, our team pulled up several younger players and was still left with few substitutes. So it was, that a group of 20 wild-eyed, rambunctious boys took the field. Parents gave up family vacations, coaches gave up any semblance of free time, and our boys gave up their video games to come together under the lights of Rowland Field.

For weeks, the boys worked hard to prepare to face their opponents. When the games finally came, week after week our boys showed their skills as well as their character.

The Mighty Mite Viking boys finished their season UNDEFEATED after 8 games against quality football teams. Our team came from behind in several games and showed the true heart of Viking nation. One of our proudest moments of the season came as the boys faced an extremely tough opponent.

The Mighty Mites were down three touchdowns, as the parents and fans started to give up hope. The boys however did NOT. Determination filled their eyes and the boys worked harder than they ever had before. Yard by yard, minute by minute, they began to gain ground and we eventually pulled ahead by a single point.

With a minute left and our backs on our own 10-yard line, a defensive stand meant the Vikings once again came out on top.

But the story here is not in the 8 victories (even though we are quite proud of that). The story here is in a time surrounded by negative press and a vulnerable game, the true spirit of football and South Brunswick pride shone through. The story is in the parents that joined together to form a strong community and valuable support system.

The story is in the coaches who gave their time freely and became role models to these young men. Most of all, the story is in a group of boys that formed bonds of friendship and learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship and teamwork. These boys showed us all that true character is best shown not in the easy wins, but rather in facing adversity with courage and determination.

Sunday, Oct. 26 at 12 p.m. the Mighty Mites will compete in their first ever playoff game at our home field at Rowland Park. If we are able to come out on top once again, the boys will advance to a regional playoff game in Pennsylvania. We hope that you will come out and support your town. Show these boys that football fans still believe in the value of hard work and the spirit of the game.

GO VIKINGS!