North Lawndale Eagles Celebrate Homecoming

The North Lawndale Eagles celebrated Homecoming on Oct. 4 at Douglass Park, 1632 S. Sacramento Ave., hosting five football games across multiple age divisions before a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators, according to program president Charles Rice.

More than 160 young athletes participated throughout the day. The Eagles’ 6U division faced the Midwest Hawks; the 8U, 9U, and 11U divisions played teams from 290 Elite; and the 13U division competed against the Windy City Dolphins based in Galewood.

Defending Champions

The 8U and 13U divisions entered the season aiming to repeat last year’s success, when both won the 2024 Illinois American Youth Football (AYF) State Championships. ‘

The 13U team advanced to capture the Midwest Regional title and finished third nationally at the AYF Division 3 National Championship. 

The program’s achievements and impact were recognized in an Illinois Senate Resolution citing the Eagles’ service to West Side youth across 20 Chicago Public Schools.

For homecoming, the teams debuted pink and silver uniforms to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Smith said players will wear the uniforms throughout October. 

The 13U team, coached by Kristian “Coach KP” Palmer, is rebuilding after graduating many of last year’s players. Despite a 2–4 record (2–1 in division play) heading into Homecoming, Palmer said he’s confident in the team’s postseason chances. 

“We’re taking our lumps, but it’s football,” Coach Palmer said. “We played a tougher schedule this year. We’ve got three games left before the playoffs, and we expect to hit our stride when it counts. We’re going back to nationals.”

Thirteen-year-old Kaylin Jones, who as a 12-year-old played on last year’s 13U squad that placed third in the nation, said he knows what it takes to reach that stage again: 

“That was a good experience last year, and I hope we can do it again,” he said. 

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CORRECTION: A previous article misstated the name of a local coach. His correct name is Coach Charles Rice, not Charles Smith. We regret the error.