WASHINGTON — A group of young athletes from southeast D.C. are getting us uplifted.
The Panthers of John Hayden Johnson Middle School are once again champions on and off the football field. The team is ranked the No. 1 middle school football team in the nation.
Under the leadership of coach Mike Sharrieff, the team has achieved tremendous success and is now headed to Memphis, Tennessee, to open their season by taking on Havenview Middle School.
For this school in D.C.'s Ward 8, it's much more than touchdowns. The program is often a lifeline for students giving them a safe, structured space where they can work on teamwork, discipline and perseverance.
Before they take the field, these students have to meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 and go to study hall — just a few things that make up "the Johnson way."
This Sunday, there will be a team tailgate to kick-off the upcoming season and send the team off to compete in Memphis.
But they need the help to get them there. A GoFundMe has been set up with the goal of raising $75,000. Anyone interested in donating can do so here.