Money problems almost prevented a suburban football team from traveling to the Pop Warner Nationals in Florida, but now they're on the verge of winning the whole thing.
The Hoffman Estates Redhawks defeated the Northeast Pride (AZ) 15-12 in the semifinals of the Division 2 Jr. Midget competition Tuesday.
The team, made up seventh and eighth graders, now advances to Friday's final at the 57th annual Pop Warner Super Bowl at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World.
The Redhawks will face a Florida team, Jensen Beach Falcons, for the national title.
Coach Storm Warner contacted NBC 5 earlier this month about the team's financial dilemma, and days after the story ran, they were able to raise the $20,000 needed to transport all the players and coaches to the game they worked years to attend.
