Fairhaven Blue Devils return from Super Bowl victory

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (WLNE) — It’s not uncommon to hear New England and Super Bowl in the same sentence.

While it’s been a few years for the Patriots – they’ve got nothing on the Fairhaven Blue Devils, who ended a 23-year drought Thursday against the Salem Witches for the MIAA Division 6 title.

Like any good team, this one wasn’t built in a day.

“Our kids started playing together when they were 5-years-old,” Kate Correia, mother of running back Colby Correia, said. “They played as 8th graders on this team, so this is their 5th year playing. So, this is a huge accomplishment. We couldn’t be prouder, we’ve been together forever.” 

And the team has become more and more involved in the community over the season.

“They’re a great group of kids, like all around, the entire team,” Cheryl Duarte, mother of quarterback Jayce Duarte, said.

Duarte’s son was so confident in the team around him he apparently called the win back in September.

The team made it back in Fairhaven around 7 p.m. to a crowd of friends and family.

Taking time to reflect on an incredible season and everything they had to overcome to get there.

“We had to play our hearts out, and we had to play as good as we played all year,” Head Coach Derek Almeida said. “So, we’re just going to enjoy it, and you know, I think it just shows that the harder you work, good things can happen. And that’s what happened to this group.”

So far, there isn’t a championship parade scheduled for the team, but both parents and coaches are hoping one gets set up soon.

For now, they’ll look back on an incredible season and take in their new title of Super Bowl champions.