The sixth grade Lions faced a familiar opponent in last Saturday's AYF New England Championship game, the Pelham Razorbacks of New Hampshire. Monroe jumped out to an early 15-0 lead, but the Razorbacks scored two touchdowns to come within striking distance.

The rivals traded scores, but the Lions refused to give up the lead en-route to a 30-25 triumph and a playoff berth to the National Championships in Florida.

"We fought off a furious comeback in the end," said Lions' assistant coach Rich Hersch.

Head Coach Steve Christy said, "We can take your best punch and we'll be there at the end."

The Lions coaching staff was leading their players through their last practice at Wolfe Park under the lights on Thursday night. The team has been together for four seasons, winning the AYF New England Championship three years in a row.

In Florida, the undefeated Lions won two playoff games before losing to Jacksonville in the National Championship Game. While Monroe relies on homegrown talent, Jacksonville has no geographical boundries from where it draws its talent.

This year, the Lions went 8-0 during the regular season and won five playoff games in a one-game elimination tournament. They take a 13-0 overall record to Florida.

Families will be able to pay their own way to Florida this year. Last year residents donated money to defray costs for the trip.

"The town of Monroe has supported us so well," Christy said. "We're grateful. There are so many people at our games."

A True Team

The Lions' spread offense is led by quarterback Matthew Hersch.

"Matty Hersch, I have people tell me he's the most outstanding quarterback in the game," Christy said. "He's a coach on the field. At his age, he actually calls audibles."

"Benji Vickowski is unheralded," Christy said of another notable player. "He embodies who we are. He has a brain for the game."

Max Merizio has been the Lions' most improved player, according to the coach.

"He made a big difference for us this year," Christy said. "He's the player we were looking for last year. He's an animal. He plays guard and defensive tackle and he's a special teams force."

Merizio had minimal playing time last season, but this year Christy said he never comes off the field.

Christy said all five of his offensive linemen could be starting running backs on other teams.

However, for all of the outstanding individual accomplishments this season, both Christy and Hersch said playing together as a team is what best characterizes the Lions.

"The kids execute really well," coach Hersch said. "They work really hard. They're a team. They're friends in school."

Christy said his players fight for each other every game, though he has his favorites. "I have favorite players," Christy said. "Do you know who they are? They're the ones who play the hardest. We lead the league in grit. We're the grittiest bunch."