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Screaming fans may be a normal sight inside Atlanta's Georgia Dome, but robots play a sport of a different color. The FIRST Robotics Championship kicked off Friday in Atlanta, with teams from across the country going bot-to-bot in a battle of epic proportions.

Among the teams were a handful from across the city, from Staten Island to Far Rockaway, Queens.

"It's real competitive, it's nerve-wracking," said Kevin Robinson of the Queens High School for Information, Research and Technology.

"A lot more intense than what you'd expect from a robotic geekfest here," said David Doh of Staten Island Technical High School

Since getting their assignment in January, the teams have not only built their robots, but programmed them to compete in a soccer-like game. While their minds have been on their matches, the team members say they've also learned a lot of important lessons off the court.

"I've learned about team relations. It's a family, and we all learn how to work together and negotiate with other teams as well as learn how to build a robot," said Francesca Arcidiacono of the Bronx High School of Science.

In keeping with the sports theme, this year saw the organization select a few MVPs. This dean's list of students was nominated by their teammates for showing exceptional leadership and dedication. Among the elite 10 is Seth Berg of Stuyvesant High School.

"I wasn't sure what I wanted to do before FIRST, but now I'm going to be an engineer when I grow up for sure. No question," said Berg.

Next fall, Berg will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where one out of every ten new students is a FIRST alumnus.

For founder Dean Kamen, the sheer number of students who go on to study science, math and technology is the realization of his first aspiration for FIRST.

"That more kids know and understand how accessible, how much fun and how rewarding science and technology are," said Kamen.

Echoing that message was Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who told the students they are the best of what the country has to offer.

"You are smart, you are talented, you are hard-working, you are creative," said Duncan. "You're working together and what you're going to accomplish not only in high school but the rest of your lives makes me unbelievably hopeful."

With qualifying rounds behind them, the students are also hopeful and looking forward to Saturday's matches and second chances.

"You win some, you lose some, and I think if we play like that next match, I'm sure we can win," said Doh.

As a certain Southern belle from Atlanta once said, "Tomorrow is another day."