World Series Champions Honored By Archer Lodge, Congressman Brad Knott

ARCHER LODGE, N.C. — The Johnston County Little League 12U softball team returned to the spotlight, this time at Archer Lodge Town Hall, where players and coaches were honored for winning the 2026 Little League Softball World Series.

The Archer Lodge Town Council unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the team during its Oct. 5 meeting.

Congressman Brad Knott, who represents North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, also attended to congratulate the players.

The Johnston County team advanced through the World Series with victories over teams representing Canada, Texas and Florida. Johnston County defeated Florida again 4-0 in the semifinal before beating Kentucky 2-0 in the championship game Aug. 9.

Knott Honors Players
“Ladies, let me just tell you – this is the highlight of my week,” Knott told the team.

“When I got the blurb about the run that this team was on, there was just a quiet movement in our office about cheering you on, supporting you, and just celebrating the path that right here in Archer Lodge you blazed, not just for this community but for the whole country.”

Knott told the players their success showed what young people can accomplish.

“And if there’s one thing that I really lament… is when young people don’t believe they can do excellent work. Yes, it takes top to bottom effort from, again, everybody in this room, coaches, parents, and so forth. But when those ingredients come together, occasionally it just clicks, and it makes a lasting impact. And that’s what we see with you all.”

He also praised the way the players conducted themselves throughout the tournament.

“You all showed grit; you showed determination; you all had to get along with one another, which people in Washington can learn from you. You all pushed through adversity. You all acted with extreme, just high-level integrity, courteousness. You know, your manners never, never wavered. I heard nothing but rave reviews about your sportsmanship, how you surrounded each other with encouragement.”

Knott encouraged the players to appreciate what they accomplished.

“Not many people are world champions… you will probably be world champions again, [but] I’ve never been world champion of anything. So, savor that title. Relish it.”

Knott presented the team and Coach Ben Catarozzoli with a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol “in commemoration for all of the great work that you did in August of this year. So, thank you so much.”

Team Presents Jersey To Town

Johnston County Little League President Ronnie Correia also addressed the council.

“Mayor and Council – I’ve never been more excited to come in here in front of y’all and say, ‘I told you so,’” Correia said.

“We knew …[this team] was going to be special…I think that they lived up to the hype.”

Correia said the players have been on a whirlwind of appearances and recognition since bringing the world championship home to Johnston County.

“They deserve very accolade and every recognition that they’ve gotten. The coaches deserve every bit of accolade and recognition that they get. The parents especially, y’all don’t realize how much the parents had to invest in [and sacrifice] this summer.”

Correia also thanked Archer Lodge officials for supporting the league and team.

“On behalf of Johnson County Little League, I do want to thank all of you for supporting us through the whole thing.”

The team then presented the Town of Archer Lodge with a World Series jersey bearing the number 23.

“It is jersey number 23 – that’s the year that we started softball. And I think it’s appropriate to be the number that we give of a jersey that we’d love to see you put up wherever you want to put it up,” Correia said.

Mayor Matt Mulhollem accepted the jersey on behalf of the town.

“Ladies, it’s an honor, and we will gladly show this off in town hall for many, many years to come. Thank you very much.”

‘One Of My Life Highlights’
Mayor Pro Tem Clyde Castleberry said many teams have talented individual players, but what stood out to him was the way Johnston County played together.

“And that made me feel good…You winning [the World Series] was one of my life highlights, I can promise you,” Castleberry said.

Mulhollem attended several of the World Series games in Greenville and said one thing particularly stood out.

“I was fortunate to make some of those World Series games in Greenville and what I remember the most is your smiles…There was some awesome, excellent play, but when some plays didn’t go quite your way, you all still had your smiles and you rallied around each other.”

The mayor called the championship a historic moment for Johnston County and Archer Lodge.

“It was the biggest sports story, bar none, in all of Johnston County history and absolutely for Archer Lodge. And we can’t congratulate you enough. We are extremely proud of you.”

Copies of the town’s resolution were presented to the team, while the World Series jersey will be displayed at Archer Lodge Town Hall.