The Miami Lakes Optimist Club’s MIA 8U travel flag football team recently won the 2018 national championship, defeating the Miami Lobos in a 20-0 shut out during the Grip It and Rip It Tournament at Brain Piccolo Park in Broward County.
The team went undefeated (5-0) and held all of their opponents scoreless and only gave up three first downs during the entire tournament.
“Once that final whistle blew it was an amazing feeling to win the national championship,” said coach Mario Fernandez. “To the kids, their parents and coaches, it was satisfying because we participated in several tournaments but we never came this close. But finally we won it, an amazing feeling for us, especially for my son and watching him celebrate with his team.”
Fernandez said winning the national championship gears his team up for the Battle of Orlando East Coast National Tournament.
“Hopefully we can win this one,” he said.