The Sandhills Patriots sent all three of their teams to the North American Youth Football Championships in Charlotte in late November.

The varsity team, defending its 2008 championship, faced stiff competition from teams from Michigan and Canada. The varsity also played a team of select players from the PYFL. A 22-16 loss to the undefeated team from Michigan landed the varsity in second place.

The JV team played several teams in an older age bracket before claiming the 11-under championship.

The prep team defeated a team from Maryland in the championship game to claim bragging rights as the 9-under champion.

More important than the success of the teams on the field, the Patriot family enjoyed their time together away from home.

The Patriots are well on their way to getting started on next season. If you have a child interested in playing next fall, contact Tom Van Camp at (910) 690-7068 or Eric Baker at (910) 603-5564, or visit the Web site at www.sandhillspatriots.com.

The prep team includes ages 7-9, the JV 10-11 and the varsity 12-13. The birth date cutoff is June 30.