The Eagles of Warren JFK High School are flying high as 2016 state football champions.  On Tuesday, the school honored the team and coaches with a special ceremony.

In the school courtyard stands the victory bell, and for the first time in a long time it is ringing for a state championship.

After coming up one game short last season, the Eagles went all the way to Columbus for the championship game this year.  

It's especially sweet for the senior captains, like Ryan Lee who's family has many JFK graduates. "It's truly an honor to say I want out there and played for them every step of the way," Lee said.

Captain Jacob Coates said he was confident they could bounce back. "I knew we had it in us we just had to keep working hard every day, in the summer,  the off season, and that's what we did," said Coates.

Head Coach Jeff Bayuk was asked what set this team apart to be state champions?  "I think it's the leadership of the older kids that really made the biggest difference for us this year," the coach said.

For Bayuk, who is coaching at his fourth area school, this is the topper. "It feels like the culmination of a whole career and I have these guys and the rest of the team to thank for it," Bayuk said.

They brought home the championship trophy and for the first time since 1991.