Team RI FBU has a chance to make history this month.

The local all star youth football team will play in the FBU Nationals in Naples, Fla. The Rhode Island team features athletes from across the state, including players from East Providence, Barrington and Portsmouth. (The team is comprised of seventh-graders.)

Jacob Gibbons leads a talented contingent from East Providence. Gibbons is a running back who scored four touchdowns in Rhode Island's come-from-behind 28-22 victory over Massachusetts in the regional final. 

"We were losing the whole game until the fourth quarter," said RI coach Shane Gibbons, who is distantly related to Jacob. "In the fourth quarter, Jacob took over. He told everyone he was not going to lose that game."

Jacob Gibbons also played well in Rhode Island's 34-14 win over Connecticut.

Other players from East Providence include Justin Fiore, Adam Marschat and Isaiah Andino. 

Dante Salvaggio is Barrington's lone representative. Dante, who also plays for Barrington Pop Warner, has made the RI FBU team for the last two seasons. 

"He's improved this year," said Coach Gibbons. "He's seeing a lot of time (on the field)."

Dante plays middle linebacker and defensive end. 

Vernon Belliveau, of Portsmouth, also plays for the Rhode Island all star team. Vernon, who has played Portsmouth Pop Warner football for five years, sees time on the defensive line for the FBU all stars. He is also listed as a running back and guard on offense. 

"Vernon is excited to be participating on the RI FBU 7th Grade Team," wrote his dad, Neal, in a recent email.

"This is the second year he has been privileged to play with so many kids returning from last year's team."

Rhode Island opens the national championship tournament on Saturday, Dec. 17 with a game against Team Dade County (Fla.) Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m.

"They're fast," said Coach Gibbons of Dade County. "And they're a little bigger… but Massachusetts and Connecticut were big. They were huge."

Should Rhode Island fare well in the early rounds they will have a chance to play in the FBU Seventh Grade National Championship game, which is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Other teams to reach the seventh grade national tournament include West Texas, Sacramento (Calif), Broward County (Fla.), Seattle (Wash.), Dallas (Texas), and Maryland.

The Rhode Island all stars are currently trying to raise money to help off-set the costs of traveling to the nationals. To donate to the cause go to https://www.youcaring.com/fbuteamri-708044/thankyou