Patriots muster three wins for national title

The undefeated Patriots of New England could make football history later this month.

Naperville's Patriots just did.

The Patriots Pee Wee Red team defeated the Chandler (Ariz.) Blitz 6-0 on Saturday at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Fla. In doing so, the group of boys ages 10-12 won Naperville's first American Youth Football national championship.

"No, it hasn't sunk in yet," said coach Doug DiFusco. "It's pretty overwhelming."

Naperville, undefeated champions of the Chicagoland AYF, had to win three games in six days to take home the title.

The Patriots shut out the 4-S Ranch Falcons from San Diego 32-0 on Dec. 3, then came back two days later to edge the Meriden Raiders of Connecticut 19-14 in the semifinals.

Dan Dudek had a 73-yard touchdown, Mike Dudek a touchdown reception and Miles Simelton a game-ending interception to preserve the win for the Patriots.

"Three games in six days -- it was a grind," DiFusco said.

The championship game against Chandler was scoreless at halftime. The Patriots drove to the Chandler 35 on their first drive of the second half.

On third and 6, Naperville called its "Miami super stretch reverse" play. On the snap the pitch went to Simelton, who flipped the ball to Dan Dudek coming the other way. Dudek slid inside the Chandler defensive end, broke two tackles back to the middle infield and bolted to the end zone.

"Coach (Chris) Schmidt called the play on the sideline," DiFusco said. "We had never run the play before. Not even in practice. He basically drew a play on the field."

Naperville's defense did the rest. Three times Chandler was turned away from the Patriots' 3-yard line.

The Patriots, who advanced to the national semifinals last year as Junior Pee Wees, went on to the 6-0 win.

"We were always able to defend someone and find a weakness," DiFusco said. "The kids are great students of the game."

Members of the Patriots are Kyle Adams, Jason Blohm, DeSean Brown, Ryan Brown, Douglas DiFusco, Daniel Dolehide, Dan Dudek, Mike Dudek, Nikhil Fowler, Dillon Gross, Colton Manfre, Robert McMillen, Peyton Mitchell, Colin Mondi, Brendan O'Brien, Matthew Perrigo, Steven Pettey, Elijah Robertson, Tyler Schmidt, Miles Simelton, Javon Turner, Derrek Warkenthien, Kurt Warkenthien, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Watkins.

Coaches are Doug DiFusco, Chris Schmidt, Bob McMillen, Frank Gross, Matt Perrigo and Rick Dudek.