SHELBY, Mich. — After the 2020 season was cancelled due to the pandemic, an exceptional group of young boys came together to play the game of football. The Shelby Lions have a long tradition of excellence, and this group personified that. The 2021 Shelby Lions Flag team, with boys ranging 5-7 years old, turned in one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory. With an explosive offense averaging 22.7 points per game, complimented by a ferocious defense yielding 4.8 points per game, the boys put together an impressive campaign.

Led by their returning team captains, the Lions went undefeated during the regular season while leading the league in offense. They achieved their goal of winning the “Leaders” division and avenging the loss to their heated rival. Despite a valiant effort, the Lions came up just short of their goals by losing in the closing minutes to the Romeo Bulldogs in the championship game.

Despite the loss, the boys and coaches were proud of what they accomplished. “The boys played hard all year,” says Assistant Coach Paolo Busignani. “They are a very tight knit group, all friends, and they play for each other instead of for themselves. I’m very excited to see this group as they get older.”

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