It was a tough ending, as both Tiger E squads were defeated in their final games of the season on Saturday, ending their perfect seasons as they hosted the Mite Bowl in Wareham.

"It was a great group of kids, a great year," said the E Black squad's coach Mike Cote after his team's 27-13 loss to Apponequet.

The E White coach Craig Ellwood, who organized the Third annual Mite Bowl along with the Tiger board, echoed Cote's sentiments.

"I feel proud of every single one of you," he told the team of 7-, 8-, and 9-year olds after they were shutout by Sharon 18-0.  "I hope we have not just such a good group of players but a good group of kids."

It was a tough way for both teams to end their season, which began August 1 with five-day-a-week practices until school starts - when they cut back to three days a week and a Saturday game.

Equally dedicated are the parents, fully bedecked in Wareham Tiger sweatshirts, jackets, and other regalia as well as orange and black.

"We don't fool around," joked parent Kim Swiatek, proudly displaying her Tigers hooded sweatshirt.

Other parents man the press box, providing the play-by-play.

"We try to make it as real as possible for them," said Scott LaPerrier, the B Team coach.

In fact, the whole Mite Bowl was devised to give some sort of finale to the season.  At this age level, there are no playoffs scheduled and organizers felt there was no real climax to the season.

"They don't get playoffs, so we try to give them a 'Superbowl' atmosphere," said parent Rob Faria.

This year, the event brought teams from the towns of Carver, Apponequet, Sharon, and Sandwich, as well as regional teams Parkway (West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain) and Lower Cape.

Opponents were matched according to their records - both Sharon and Apponequet were 8-0 like Wareham - and games went from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spillane Field.

"We'll absolutely do it next year," said Ellwood.  He also hopes to bring more teams like in the past years but said that it would be difficult with the demands for the field.  They weren't permitted to practice under the lights like in previous years, so moved their practices to the Onset V.F.W. field.

But for now, it's time for parents, kids, and coaches to take a break.  It will be short, however, said parent Holly King.  "JBA basketball starts next week!"