Olney 215-Swaghawks Remain Undefeated In Youth Football, Reminiscent Of 2014 Olney Eagles
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 95-pound Olney Eagles football team became the undefeated local champs last year and went on to place third in the country.
Now, another group of nine and 10-year-olds from Olney are blazing trails. The two teams have something in common.
"Last year I was with the Olney Eagles and they were also undefeated," Orben Robinson was an assistant coach for the nine and 10-year-old Olney Eagles. Today, he is assistant coach for the 215-SwagHawks cadet team. He left the Eagles so that his 10-year-old son Korben could play for the SwagHawks as an offensive lineman. Now the cadet team is 8 and 0 in their regular season. A fact that almost gives Robinson deja vu; but he says he can't take the credit.
"Their defense is phenomenal, the offense is amazing," he says, "I'm just in the middle of lightening striking twice in the same place."
That place is Olney. The 215-SwagHawks practice at the Zeigler Playground at B. Street and Olney. Their play space is not lit, so most nights, Robinson says the kids are practicing in the dark.
"We just ask parents to keep their car headlights on and keep going," he says.
The 215-SwagHawks were founded just two years ago by Del Jackson. In that time, the 501(c)(3) organization has grown from 60 kids to 120. And is likely to grow again.
"It's crazy to watch," says Jackson, "but it's heartwarming and nice to see you put your time in -- and these kids are making lifelong memories."
Jackson attributes much of the team's success to excellent communication between the coaches and players.
"Most of our coaches are young men who have kids in the 5 to 10 year old range," he says, "they know how to slow things down so the kids understand it -- and it works."
As a result, the 215SwagHawks have won game after game. Three of the teams are No. 1 in NESAC/UYFL this year. The wins mean they'll have to find the cash to take 60 kids to Florida for the UYFL championship in December. They need $30,000.
"We've set up a GoFundMe Page," says Jackson, "we'll try to make it as easy as possible since finances are a big issue among our families."
He says many of the kids have never left the city of Philadelphia.
"This would be a great opportunity for our kids," says Jackson.
Robinson says he's confident they'll reach their goal. He helped to launch the Olney Eagle's fundraising effort last year. They raised $20,000 in three weeks, thanks to corporate sponsors.
"I'm hoping we can duplicate what we did last year," says Robinson.
Step one -- is to finish the season undefeated. The 215-SwagHawk's last game of the season is on Saturday.
To donate to their effort, go to https://www.gofundme.com/cy8agff8
