"We worked hard with a lot of fund-raisers last year," Keenan said. "It was a really phenomenal experience. Now we have a chance to see that level of competition here in Tucson."

Her daughter, Bethany Keenan, 10, competed on the squad.

"It was pretty scary, but really exciting," Bethany Keenan said. "It was cool to travel last year, but it will be even cooler here in Tucson. We get to stay in our hometown and go to nationals."

LOCAL HEROES:

Tucson teams that placed in the American Youth Football and Cheerleading National Championship in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2004:

Football

• Pee Wees: Marana Broncos - national champion

• Junior Midgets: Oro Valley Dolphins - national runner-up

• Tucson Scorpions Junior Pee Wee, national champion, Small Show Standard

• Tucson Cowboys Junior Pee Wee, national champion, Small Show Intermediate

• Oro Valley Dolphins Junior Midgets, national champion, Small Show Standard

• Tucson Cowboys Junior Midgets, national runner-up, Large Show Elite

• Tucson Cowboys Midgets, national third place, Large Show Intermediate

Last year's AYF event in Orlando, Fla., drew nearly 40 football teams from 25 programs across the nation, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, plus Nova Scotia.

Local officials hope 50 to 80 football squads and 100 cheerleading teams will compete here this year.

The championship football age divisions, with players' maximum weight in uniform:

• Junior Pee Wee: 10-under (123 pounds).

• Pee Wee: 11-under (133)

• Junior Midget: 12-under (154)

• Midget: 14-under (179)

• 3rd, 4th & 5th grade - unlimited weight

• 6th, 7th & 8th grade - unlimited weight

Check out our Youth Sports section every Tuesday.

Parents and coaches are encouraged to nominate teams and athletes for future stories by:

• E-mail: sports@tucsoncitizen.com (photos or mug shots can be attached)

• Snail mail: Tucson Citizen, P.O. Box 26767, Tucson AZ 85726

• Fax: 573-4569

• Phone: 573-4635 or 1-800-695-4635 (toll free)