The Hub City Bulldogs make history in Crestview

CRESTVIEW — For the first time, the Hub City Bulldogs represented Crestview in an annual Pop Warner tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

The Mitey Mite football team played their first game against a team from Hawaii Dec. 1 at 9 a.m eastern time, which aired on ESPN 3.

“That’s huge for these kids to go to Disney World and play with other kids from across the country,” Terry Jackson said.

Terry, his wife Jennifer Jackson and Miriam and Ryan Hardy brought the first Pop Warner program to Crestview with the help of the community.

“Our community stepped up and rallied behind these children," Jennifer said. "…We have been able to fully outfit this program head-to-toe, debt free."

Terry and Jennifer said they are "speechless" about making it to this weekend's tournament.

"We didn't expect it to take off like this," Terry said.

The Mitey Mite cheer squad also competed in a cheer exhibition located in an arena that seats about 20,000 people. Jennifer said most of them had never cheered before.

"They are so excited," Jennifer said. "This is a big, big deal. It's a national stage."

Jennifer said they are one out of nine teams in the southeast region chosen to perform in the tournament.

Pop Warner Little Scholars is a non-profit organization providing football and cheer programs to youth in several nations. The organization is the largest youth football organization in the United States with over 300,000 participants.

With “Little Scholars” as part of their name, Pop Warner places importance on academic success. Along with being recognized for athletic ability, Pop Warner also recognizes those with outstanding academics.

Being successful in the classroom was important for Denis Lysiak, whose son Jacoby plays on the Mitey Mite football team. Lysiak said his son was only a few points from national recognition, something Jacoby wasn't thrilled about.

“I told my son if he wants to play at the next level, he has to have his grades in order,” Lysiak said.

Amanda Bowser’s daughter, Adalyn Bowser, cheers for the Mitey Mite cheer squad. Amanda said her daughter’s academics have improved since joining the team.

“Her grades have gone up and stayed up,” Amanda said.

Terry and Jennifer said they plan to continue the program next year.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Hub City Bulldogs make history in Crestview