The undefeated Berkley Steelers junior varsity team is headed to the Super Bowl.
The team, which was 8-0 in regular season play, takes on the Romeo Junior Bulldogs in the Oakland/Macomb Youth Football Association championship at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at Hurley Field.
The Steelers defeated the Shelby Lions 27 to 14 on Oct. 21 in their first post-season game.
"I couldn't be any more proud of these kids," general manager Joe Dabliz said. "They worked hard all season."
He added that it has been since the '90s that the team has had an undefeated season.
"The Steelers organization used to be dominant in the '90s and they hit some rough patches," junior varsity head coach Dave Rinaldi said. "They've done a good job of getting some good coaches in at every level, coaches who don't have kids on the team."
Rinaldi said on Sunday the team will be keeping an eye on Romeo's quarterback, who also plays safety.
"We've been working on protecting against the pass and containing the outside," he said. "We feel we have the best defense in the league. On offense, we plan on running the ball down their throat."
The team will rely on an offensive "three-headed monster" composed of running backs Darren Howard, James Ester and Jalen Jennings, the coach said.
"They are very dedicated kids for their age. They have been practicing four days a week since August with games on the weekend," Berkley Steelers activities representative Sandy Purdy said. "The chant that they yell in their huddle says it all, 'One team, one family, one mission.' They make us all so proud and have persevered through the entire season. "
If you go
- When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4.
- Where: Hurley Field.
- Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12, free for kids 5 and younger.
- What else: Show your support for the team by sporting Berkley Steelers gear. Contact Christine Schwartz at 248-885-2431 or cas21687@gmail.com or click here for more information.
