Saddleback Valley Black Wolverines Get Kudos

The City Council recognized a huddle of talented young football players Monday night—the Saddleback Valley Black Wolverines.

Officials honored the Jr. Peewee football team after it made it to the Pop Warner national championship in Florida.

At the competition, the team placed third and won an award for sportsmanship.

At the City Council meeting, the team members received certificates of recognition from the city.

“We got a great pack of wolverines here,” Mission Viejo Mayor Dave Leckness said before handing out the awards.  

Playing in the tournament was “exciting, cool, fun,” according to Wolverine Jacob Seale, 10.

“It’s just amazing how we got there,” said Seale, who plays noseguard.

Ten-year-old Trey Givens, wide receiver, said he was glad to reunite with his fellow players, because he hadn’t seen them in a month.

“It’s really good to be back,” Givens said.

In the council chambers, the team of players lined up for pictures with the mayor.

Before the team members received their certificates, head coach Mac Fitch described the journey to the championship.

“It was great, an experience of a lifetime,” Fitch said.

One lesson Fitch said he always tries to teach the players is this: “All we need is to get better every day.”

You can watch the recognition ceremony online.

Here's the roster for the Saddleback Valley Black Wolverines:

Head coach: Mac Fitch

Assistant coaches: Pat Toohey, Patrick Longrie, Jeff Barney, Jim Osborne

Team Mom/Manager: Renee Petro, Jenny Fitch

Roster:

#1 Olaijah Griffin

#5 Caden Fitch

# 6 Conner Longrie

# 7 Elijah Barney

# 8 Christian Kovnesky

#11 Kelly Petro

# 12 Hudson Borthwick

# 18 Austin Osborne

# 20 Hayden Rosene

# 22 Jaydyn Webb

# 24 Manuel Luna

# 25 Matthew Blethen

# 26 Nick Valencia

# 28 Trey Givens

# 33 Sean Toohey

# 40 Cory Purves

# 44 Robbie Young

# 46 Orry Butler

# 88 Jacob Seale