Photos by Lake Norman Giants

Dec. 15. By Ryan Moxon. The Lake Norman Giants claimed a Pop Warner national championship on Saturday, the highest title in the nation’s largest youth football organization.

The 10U Giants, who lost in the championship tournament last year, beat the Mt. Hope Cowboys of Rhode Island 20-0, following earlier playoff wins over teams from Pennsylvania and Ohio. The team finished with a 13-2 record this season.

Quarterback Trey Johnson threw three touchdown passes — two to Apollos Thompson for 45 and 35 yards, and a third to Nash Keppler for 68 yards. Max Thornton added two extra points.

The defense had six sacks and multiple tackles for loss, including an interception by Adrian Parks.

The Pop Warner national championship consists of teams from eight regions competing at six age levels. To advance to the national championship round, a team must win its league and regional championships. This year’s title game was held at Matthews Sportsplex Stadium in Charlotte.

This season marked the first time the Giants sent two football teams and three cheer teams to the national stage. The 8U football team and the Pee Wee, Jr. Pee Wee and Jr. Mites cheer teams were eliminated in early rounds. The season also included three city championships for the organization’s football teams, a first.