There are no points awarded for sheer grit in football. Even if there were, the New Haven Steelers 13U squad, defending New England regional champs with higher aspirations, likely wouldn’t need them. Which is perhaps why last Saturday’s 26-6 win over the New Britain Canes in the face of a ra ging Nor’easter was, as defensive coordinator Martin Colon put it, “business as usual.”  The situation was this. New Haven’s Parks Department canceled all outdoor events on Saturday morning, forcing Daryel Barros’ league to relocate the game to New Britain’s Chesley Field. Soon a caravan of 27 players, eight coaches, as well as families and supporters were crawling the 30 miles up I-91 or Route 15 amid torrential rains and whipping winds.  The New Haven Steelers play in the Pop Warner Football League, which has as its mission to encourage youth participation in sports; to “instill values of teamwork, dedication, and a superior work ethic”; and to ensure scholastic aptitude among its members. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of all NFL players began their organized football careers in Pop Warner, which also acts as a feeder to top prep schools in the area and then college.  Some members of the 13U team, which last year dominated the New England region before falling short in the first round of nationals, will go to those prep schools, others to public high schools. With many of them having played together for years, the goal for this last season is plain: win it all.   “Time to get baptized,” said team mom Shatea Threadgill early Saturday afternoon, as the team, sheltered under a pavilion in New Britain, prepared to take the field. Martin Colon’s defense at work in second quarter of Sept. 26 game against New Britain Canes. “This is about showing up, no matter what,” said New Haven Pop Warner Vice President Barros, watching the players begin stretching and calisthenics on the sidelines. No matter the weather, it seems. No matter the condition of the field that has other teams refusing to play without police or security. No matter the ongoing lack of city support that has the team piecing together fundraisers to cover uniforms and equipment for kids that can’t afford them and to get to nationals each year. “We show up.”  He called out to a 10U player whose game had just ended. “You got a ride home?”  Barros, who’s been with the league since 1994, allowed that things have changed over the years — and not so much with the kids.  “We’re still the biggest mentoring program that’s been going for 30 years plus in New Haven,” he said. A retired corrections officer at New Haven Correctional Center on Whalley Avenue, he routinely took his players on a tour of the jail — “scared straight stuff,” he sai. He also took them out for meals, and hosted parties at his house. “Some of our parents get that we’re supposed to be like a family, but others, who probably never played a team sport, don’t.” Threadgill, one of the team moms, agreed. “I tell my parents, if your kids act up in school, don’t make them stay home,” she said, as rain drummed on the corrugated roof. “Bring them to practice. I don’t got nothing to do at practice. I can watch them. And they can work things out by playing.” The referee’s whistle sounded to start the game. The Steelers scored on the first drive, with Jaden Pickette breaking free for a 20-yard run. On the next possession, New Britain fumbled. The crowd of 30 bundled-up, poncho-ed fans behind a short chain-link fence went wild. A horn sounded.  Head coach Garrett Barros conferring with coaches at halftime. “This is fun,” head coach Garrett Barros shouted into the chill air, grinning, as the swirling winds flipped someone’s umbrella inside out. “Anyone up for some hot cocoa?”  By halftime, the score was 20-0. There were no pep talks. “Right now they’re doing good,” said offensive line coach Jay Davis. Some of the other coaches were drinking hot tea. Team moms passed around Ziploc bags with tangerines and pretzels. The rain had slowed to a drizzle. “I love this game because it gives you a chance to shine,” said defensive end Landon Murphy, his helmet dripping with raindrops. “I love this.”   With that came the third-quarter kickoff, with kicker Christian Barajas lofting the ball through the heavy gray mist. It slipped through the New Britain receiver’s hands. Jay Threadgill recovered, taking it into the end zone. “That’s right,” Claudia Sandoval called out from the crowd, as her husband, Jay Barajas, sounded the horn. Sandoval said her son, kicker Christian Barajas, has been with the team since he was six years old. “I go wherever my son goes,” she said. “I am his number one fan.” Known as “The Boot,” Christian, who also plays on the offensive and defensive lines, has drawn interest from several top prep schools in the area.   The horn, a deconstructed drill paired with a trucker horn, “is something my husband came up with,” she said, as the skies opened for another downpour. Over the years, it’s become a signature of success for the team. As for an official beverage: the nutrition-packed traditional Mexican tea that Jay brews when the weather turns nasty and shares with fellow Steelers fans.  “We’re going to miss all this.”  *** There will be a fundraiser Friday, Oct. 2 at Jimmy D’s Bar Grill on 1372 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden from 6 – 10 p.m. All proceeds go to New Haven Steelers. Donations to Cashapp: $NEWHAVENPW. New Haven Steelers 13U team taking the field in New Britain during Saturday’s Nor’easter. The post Undefeated Steelers Prevail In Nor’easter; Fundraiser Set For Friday appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less