Building for the future

Photo by Paul Robeson

WORKING FOR SUCCESS: Members of the Anderson Union High School junior varsity football team practice.

Photo by Paul Robeson

Sage Moanson

Photo by Paul Robeson, Reporter

Jael Uhl

Photo by Paul Robeson

PRACTICE THE PLAY 'TIL IT WORKS: West Valley High School junior varsity football team members practiced last week.

For two football-playing high schools it was practice as usual last week when the temperatures went over the century mark for four of the five school days.

Head Coach Lupe Cordova at West Valley and his two assistants, brothers Joe and Jason Odell, ran drills to build up the strength and experience for their JV squads.

West Valley has its Eagle traditions to live up to and each squad member knows that if they can perform well as an individual and a team they can keep those traditions going.

West Valley does not have the years advantage as its sister school Anderson Union but they plan their own customs and keep that friendly combat with Anderson at bay.

Anderson Head Coach David Fairley and his assistant Clay Davis worked in the same temperatures with the Anderson JV members and had them work on similar plays of individual blocking on both offense and defense.

Each of the school coaches pointed out potential team leaders from their squads.

Anderson’s coach Fairley said the several members of the JV had moved up to the varsity squad since practice started several weeks ago.

Fairley also said that his pick of a potential varsity Cub was sophomore Sage Moanson.

Moanson, 15, came to AUHS from Verde Vale School. He plays defensive end and strong tackle on offense. He is also interested in trying out for field goal kicking.

Fairley said the he “learns plays quickly” and can succeed if “he keeps up the interest.” Moanson said that he “is going to stay out of trouble and get all his work done” to continue to play sports.

In West Valley, coach Cordova picked Jael Uhl for his potential team leader.

Uhl, 15, had gone to West Cottonwood and Happy Valley schools and now plays tight end and wing back as an Eagles JV. Uhl was awarded the scholar athlete award last year as a freshman and continues to maintain a 3.5 grade point average to remain on the Principal’s List.