The Thunder youth football team is one game away from making the national championships again. The Thunder moved up to the All-American Division after winning the junior midget national title in Orlando last season. They play in the SEV championship game at Campo Verde High against the Raiders, based in the West Valley. The winner advances to Orlando for the national championships, which will take place the first week of December.
The team is mostly made up of eighth-graders attending either Kyrene Altadeña or Akimel middle schools in Ahwatukee Foothills.
Thunder coach Al Money was also named American Youth Football National Coach of the Year.
