The undefeated Daytona Bucs 8U Pop Warner team has an 8-0 record and the title of Division II Mid Florida Champions. Separately, Tony Wilson, a coach who mentored young athletes through Daytona Beach Pop Warner, died in September.
According to Observer Local News, the Bucs are headed to Valdosta, Georgia, on Saturday, Nov. 14, to compete in the Southeastern Regional Championship. A win there would send the team to the national championship in North Carolina.
A Season Shaped by Loss
Tyree Wilson said his father, Tony Wilson, died on September 15th. Tyree has also contributed to the team’s success this season.
Tony Wilson, also known as Antonio Rashad Wilson Sr., died unexpectedly at age 38. For nearly two decades, he coached and mentored young athletes through Daytona Beach Pop Warner.
The Coaching Staff
Head coach Dante Moore Sr. leads a staff that also includes Wilfred Taylor, Corey Moore, and Jordan Rogers, all guiding a roster of young players.
Team mom Keiara Berry pointed to the discipline the young players have shown all season. “They're very disciplined. For them to be 7, 8, and 9 years old,” Berry said, describing a group that has managed to stay focused despite their age and the emotional weight of the season.
The Players Behind the Record
Team captains Ryan Griffin Jr., Tyree Wilson, Julian Miller and Eric Francis Jr. have helped anchor the Bucs through practices in Daytona Beach leading up to the regional matchup.
Should the Bucs win in Georgia, they would become bound for the national championship in North Carolina.
