LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Rebels 8-U youth football team swept through the American Youth Football’s national tournament in Florida and earned a spot in the championship game before being disqualified due to a clerical oversight.
The team, known as the Donut Boys, had not lost a game in three years and traveled to Florida this week after months of fundraising and collecting sponsorships. FOX5 News shared their story last month when the group of seven and eight-year-olds needed financial help to reach nationals.
Team disqualified over rule violation
According to the American Youth Football Association, one of the players had competed on two teams this season, which violates league rules. The discovery led to the team’s disqualification despite their tournament performance.
“They earned a spot and they are supposed to be playing on the field,” said Hhymoun Pearson, a parent.
Deja Fuimaono, another parent, expressed disbelief at the decision.
“You are taking away an opportunity of a championship game from seven and eight-year-olds due to administration oversight,” Fuimaono said.
Financial impact on families
The team and their families spent nearly $100,000 to travel to the tournament, according to parents.
“We spent almost the whole camp together over 100,000 dollars, and that money is now wasted because a lot of these parents and families are now stuck out here,” one parent said.
The team’s local league, NYS Nevada Football, told FOX5 they pleaded with nationals to allow the rest of the team to compete. In a statement, the league said they “presented the strongest case we could in what was an extremely rare circumstance, but the national precedent dictated the final call.”
The league added: “We want the families and the team to know they are a tremendous group of young athletes with a bright future.”
Historic opportunity lost
The Rebels would have been the first 8-U team from Las Vegas to make it to the national championship.
‘It took away a real Cinderella story for Vegas that win wouldn’t have just been for the coach who has put literal sweat and tears into that team. It was for the kids, the parents who didn’t go to work, and it was something for the community. Vegas hasn’t won this, and we had a real shot,” said parent Tamra Deal.
Despite the disappointment, parents said they remain proud of their children’s accomplishments.
“We are still proud because we are champions at heart,” added Pearson.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
