SHERBURNE —At the end of the regular season, few could’ve predicted how the Sherburne-Earlville 12U football team’s story would end. 

The youth Timberwolves entered the postseason with just one win and plenty to prove, not ready to call it a season just yet. This wolf pack still had some fight left in them and by the time the final whistle blew at Marauder Stadium on Sunday afternoon in front of the hometown crowd, the pack made their statement loud and clear with a 33-0 win over the Rome Colts. 

The road to the championship began with a quarterfinal victory over Mt. Markham, securing the Timberwolves a bye in the semifinal round and a spot in the championship game. 

Waiting for them in the championships was a familiar opponent. 

Just one year earlier, Rome Colts 12U team had defeated the 12U Timberwolves in the 2025 championship game. This year’s matchup offered the Timberwolves an opportunity to write a different ending to the story. 

This 12U team carried championship experience of its own. Several members of last year’s championship-winning 10U squad moved up to the 12U team this season, along with the entire coaching staff. For those returning champions, Sunday’s victory meant a consecutive title and ring to add to their shelf. For others, it was a shot a redemption or the opportunity to earn their first championship. 

The Timberwolves got on the board early with a quick run down the field by TreSean Johnson (6th grade) and brought into the endzone for the first touchdown by Will Peabody (7th grade).  Trevor Hess (7th grade) brought the Timberwolves their first successful extra point of the game following the touchdown. TreSean Johnson didn’t stop there, bringing the T-wolves their second touchdown of the game shortly after. Brentley Woodcock (7th grade) made his presence known with two touchdowns and an extra point by Brooks Swayze-Epolito (6thgrade) had the Timberwolves sitting nicely in the fourth quarter, but they weren’t done yet. Henry Hicks (7thgrade) brought the final touchdown of the game into the endzone followed by an extra point from Landon Williams (6th grade). 

Zach Williams, head coach of the 12U Timberwolves, said 

“I am so proud of our boys. They were full throttle all game and left it all on the field. Last year, the 12U team came up short against Rome in the championship so to beat them this year at home was an awesome feeling, especially for the returning players. Our team has really worked hard this year, and it all came together today. These kids deserved that win and for it to be a shut out shows how bad they wanted it. What a great way to end the season. Go T-Wolves!”

What began as a difficult season ultimately became one of resilience, teamwork and determination. In a fitting full-circle moment, they claimed the championship against the same opponent that had ended S-E’s title hopes just one year earlier. 

They entered the postseason as underdogs and left as champions, proving that the strength of the pack isn’t measured in wins and losses, but in the determination of every Timberwolf who refuses to give up on the teammates standing beside them. 

-Information from the S-E 12U Football program