Football season is back for youth

RUN THAT BALL:
Jacob Baxter, wearing jersey # 22 for the Jr. Midgets, gets up a good head of steam during Saturday’s full pad scrimmage to kick off the 2009 season.

West Valley Jr. Eagles (WVJE) began their season with a non-league game at home on the pasture under the blazing sun. The Jr. Eagle’s hosted the Central Valley Falcons to start things rolling for 2008.

The day started with a Mighty Mite battle between the Falcons and the Anderson Wildcats. Mighty Mite division is a requirement of all Nor Cal Associations beginning in 2009. WVJE’s program will include the Mighty Mites next season and is for players’ age 6 to 7 years old.

Jr. Pee Wees had a well-contested outing with the CV team. Both Jr. Pee Wee squads were well coached and had fun on both sides of the ball.

WVJE Pee Wees had an amazing game and outscored the CV Falcons 26-0. Brody Jones led the way with 2 touchdowns. Teammates Gio Lakman and Cody Bennett each scored TDs adding to the Eagles’ scoreboard. The Eagle defense stood strong throughout the game keeping the Falcons scoreless.

The Jr. Midgets fought hard in an evenly matched contest with a 2 point conversion by CV, deciding the game. Austin Clark ran for the first WV touchdown. West Valley’s second score was set up by an interception by Sean McComas. On the next play quarterback Sean McComas passed to Austin Clark for the Eagle’s second score. Final score was 14 to 12 Central Valley.

WVJE Midgets started off their game with a score by Connor Low. The Jr. Eagle’s played hard throughout the game, but the Falcons took this one. Final score of the Midget’s game was 38 to 12, CV.

Jr. Eagle home games are played Saturdays at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. on the pasture, home of the West Valley Eagles. WVJE hosts Central Valley, Yreka, Chico Jags, and Enterprise this year.

WVJE schedule includes road trips to So. Siskiyou, Red Bluff, Paradise, Foothill, and Shasta high school fields this year.

WV youth football program sets up a snack bar that includes nachos, BBQ burgers and hotdogs, cold drinks, and additional treats. Additionally, WVJE souvenirs such as sweat shirts, t-shirts, hats, and visors are on display for the Jr. Eagle fans to purchase.

Local vendors such as Marble Slab Ice Cream and Jamba Juice also support the program with sales of refreshing smoothies and ice creams tempting spectators.

The anticipated WVJE 2008 Youth Football and Cheer Program was unveiled at the front gate. Impressive Print of Red Bluff did an amazing job on the cover graphics. Sales of the annual program are part of the Jr. Eagle’s fundraising which helps make this organization successful.