11U HARRISBURG COWBOYS

The 11U Harrisburg Cowboys team has continued to stand out amongst their

competitors because of their passion for the sport, commitment to excellence on and off the field, and impressive seasons within the Pop Warner organization.   While playing four seasons alongside one another, this team has achieved four consecutive undefeated regular seasons, three city championships, two North Carolina D1 state titles, and one regional championship. They have recently qualified for Pop Warner Nationals for a second year in a row, the first of their kind in their entire organization. Additionally, in 2024 when they qualified for the Pop Warner Nationals in Orlando, Florida, they walked away with a ranking of third in the nation after an impressive week of playing football. This year, they were chosen to play during halftime at a Carolina Panthers game, as well.

During this 2025 season, the team captured the Pop Warner Little Panthers City Championship, while averaging 40 points per game and only giving up an average of 3.9 points per game. In addition, they allowed only 21 first downs, tallied up 16 interceptions, and had 9 pick 6’s, all in the first ten regular season games.

This season, Head Coach John Whittaker’s motto is “One Team, One Family”. For him, it’s more than a phrase—it’s the foundation of everything his team stands for. The entire team believes that true success comes not only from talent and hard work, but also from trust, unity, and a family-like bond among players, coaches, and parents. The 11U team embodies this spirit on and off the field—supporting one another, celebrating together, and overcoming challenges as a unit. The results speak for themselves: multiple championships, national recognition, scholastic honors. and a culture where every player feels valued.
The Charlotte Touchdown Club and Publix Super Markets are thrilled to present this year’s Pop Warner Little Panthers Defensive / Scholastic Team of the Year Award to the 11U Harrisburg Cowboys.