The 9-U Youngstown East Little Bears celebrated their Pop Warner championship victory at the Youngstown City Schools Board meeting Tuesday night. 

The Little Bears defeated the West Boynton Wolfpack from Florida by a final score of 33 to 0 in December 2025.

The players were awarded for their team efforts and hard work throughout the 2025 season.

Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor applauded the coaches for their dedication to helping the kids grow into more than just football players.

"You're helping to shape future leaders, teammates and future defenders of this community," Batchelor said.

The team's owner and head coach, Randy Triplett, said he is proud of how far the team has come and is excited for what is next. 

"It means a lot, they started off when they were five years old. These guys have been putting in hard work, getting good grades and showing up every day," Triplett explained. 

"We're trying to keep it going, we just won the national championship, and our next goal is to keep the momentum going and hopefully get some cheerleading coaches and more football coaches so we can add onto our dynasty."