Chargers playing for crown

The Huntington Beach Chargers accomplished one of its main goals of the 2007 Pop Warner Football season by earning a trip to the Pop Warner Football Pee Wee Super Bowl final four in Orlando, Fla.

Their other goal for this team composed of players ages 9 to 12 was even bigger: to bring back a national championship to Surf City.

Huntington currently is in Orlando for the national event. The Chargers played a semifinal game Tuesday against Hunterdon, NJ. The results weren’t available at press time.

The Huntington Beach chapter of Pop Warner Football has never won a national title. The Chargers enter the national tournament with a 12-0 record.

In previous play, the Chargers took a giant step toward earning a berth in the Pee Wee Super Bowl final four in Orlando by shutting out the National City Diablos, 24-0, Nov. 24 in Del Mar.

Huntington raced to an 18-0 halftime lead.

Defensively, cornerback Brandon Bryson had consecutive sacks late in the game and Julian Arteaga dominated play up the middle.

Huntington has shut out 10 of its first 12 opponents on the road to Orlando.

“These kids know what they’re doing,” said Chargers coach Dave Harris.

“Some have been playing together for two years, some for three years and a few for four or five years. It’s the best team I’ve ever coached, by far.

“Basically, we run a high school defense. We run four-, five- and six-man fronts. We run cover two, three and four. It’s pretty much for most young quarterbacks to handle.”

The Chargers’ main offensive weapons are quarterbacks Robert Rice and Clint Jack, all-purpose back Jordan Palomino — son of Carlos Jr. and grandson of the former world boxing champion of the same name, and running backs Seth Fox, Stevie Hernandez and Dylan Sneed.

Up front on offense are tight ends Shad Harris and Grant Horton, tackles Tyler Warren, Ryan Clapp, Miguel Moreida, Jason Vaught, twins Chris and Zach Scrivner, guards Noah Nabors, Jarod Fuga and Frank McManus.

Playing center are Barret Kelly and Kevin Kimball and Jake Reardon and Nathaniel Gonzalez fill the receivers slots.