Panthers Honor their Local National Champs

December 22, 2004

from www.panthers.com

Back in May 2004, Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc. honored the Carolina Panthers for the extraordinary contributions towards youth football and Pop Warner programs. Well, the 2004 Pop Warner/NFL Team of the Year recipients are at it again.

The Freedom Drive Broncos from Charlotte, North Carolina defeated the Southside Cowboys from Houston, Texas on Friday, December 10, 2004 to win the Pop Warner Super Bowl in the Junior Midget Division in a rain soaked game played at the Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World. For their achievements, they got to once again visit Bank of America stadium.

The Freedom Drive Broncos Junior Midgets of the Pop Warner Little Panthers League in Charlotte stepped into the press room at Bank of America Stadium and onto the big stage for their own Super Bowl press conference. The team recently completed an amazing 15-0 season by winning the national championship at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Orlando, FL.

The Carolina Panthers recognized the Broncos for their outstanding achievement and gave players and coaches the opportunity to answer questions and discuss their memorable season with the Panthers press corps while displaying their national championship trophy. Quarterback Anthony Carrothers, Jr., linebacker Kyle Gregg, running back Santario Lockhart and defensive back Roddie McKnight were joined by head coach Tony Hammer and assistant coach Anthony Carrothers.

"This will be my last year playing for Freedom Drive, and it was special to win the national championship with my friends," Gregg said.

Panthers wide receiver Keary Colbert also met with the team during the press conference.

"The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to be able to provide this NFL-style experience for the Freedom Drive Broncos," said Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields. "They have worked hard and accomplished something they will always remember. Their championship is a tribute to their dedication and team work, as well as the support of the team's coaches, volunteers and family members. We congratulate them on their outstanding achievement."

This effort by the Panthers is the reason they were honored back in May, and Pop Warner appreciates all of their support.

"We applaud of that they have done for us and our programs," said Pop Warner Director of Media Relations Joel Balthaser. "We look forward to continually growing this tremendous relationship for years to come!"

Media Contact: Joel Balthaser, (215) 752-2691; joelbalthaser@popwarner.com