On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the 13th Marine Bowl, the National Junior High School American Football Championship, was held. Representing the Kansai region, the Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School Panthers faced the Obic Seagulls Jr., the Kanto representative, and claimed a hard-fought 29–27 victory to capture their third national championship title, the first in two years.

The game remained fiercely competitive throughout, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. The score was tied at 21–21 at the end of the fourth quarter, sending the championship game into overtime. After an intense extra period, the Panthers sealed the victory by scoring a touchdown and successfully converting a two-point try, emerging victorious by a final score of 29–27.

Despite facing an opponent with superior size and athleticism, the Panthers trusted one another and fought until the very end. United both on the field and along the sidelines, the entire team earned this memorable victory together. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents and supporters who cheered the team on despite the lingering effects of the previous day's typhoon. With the autumn season ahead, we look forward to seeing this team continue to grow.

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