Howard-Suamico 8U Falcons heading to NFL Flag National Championships

GREEN BAY, Wis.

(WBAY) - The Howard-Suamico 8U Falcons have qualified for the NFL Flag National Championships, becoming the first team from the area to do so after winning the Packers regional tournament.

Head coach Chris LeCloux said the teams expectations going into the regional were simply to compete and have fun.

Its once in a lifetime, honestly.

I mean, our expectations at the Packers Regional was just to go out there and compete, have some fun.

Obviously, theyre eight years old.

Lets have fun.

And, you know, weve surpassed our expectations, LeCloux said.

LeCloux said the national tournament is about more than wins and losses its about experience, travel, confidence and seeing the level of competition at the national stage.

Im sure theyre going to have big eyes.

Its going to be everythings going to be surprising.

Its probably going to be intimidating for them, myself included.

You know, its the best 32 teams in the nation at their age.

So, I look forward to the experience for the kids, LeCloux said.

To prepare, the Falcons have scrimmaged against older teams to match a faster pace of play and practice responding when things do not go their way.

Coach Alex Wynos said the teams ability to come together has stood out throughout the process.

You know, they come together and they, for a group of young boys like that, they pulled it together pretty good.

And obviously the results speak for themselves at the end of the day, Wynos said.