(La Porte, IN) - A La Porte Pop Warner Football team has taken another step toward repeating as national champs.

The 11U team won the regional championship Saturday 26-7 against a squad from Youngstown, Ohio.  The team was given a police escort on their way back to La Porte from the downtown U.S. 35 overpass to Walmart on the city’s east side.

Mayor Tom Dermody greeted the team by asking the players if they’re going to win the national championship again and giving credit to the coaches who are volunteering their time to the talented team.  “They are making La Porte proud,” he said.  The team won the national championship last season by defeating a team from Pennsylvania 39 to 6.