Area Youth Football Undergoing Changes. More to come?
Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11:34AM The Santa Clarita youth football landscape is undergoing a sea change this off season. Events have transpired recently that will put a fresh face on the sport heading into 2012.
At the SCVAA, a newly elected Board of Directors is in place to manage their football operation. Longtime President Rett Hicks is out after leading the program for many years. Hicks tenure was productive if not challenging as he saw sweeping changes to youth football in the community; notably the emergence of the Gold Coast League out of the PYFL in 2005 and the subsequent founding of three GCYFL Chapters in Santa Clarita.
Over the past few weeks, a Hicks led group requested and received approval to base a program at Valencia High School. The group then met with the Castaic Cougars to discuss a partnership. In short order, an agreement was reached and the Santa Clarita Vikings were born. The Vikings will practice and play at Valencia High School as members of the PYFL. Joe Tafoya is President, having held the same position with the Cougars the past few years.
From the SC Vikings website:
The Santa Clarita Vikings Football & Cheer Organization is born out of an effort of parents, coaches and student-athletes, from various football chapters, to build the best youth sports program in the Santa Clarita Valley. Our chapter's focus is not only to help young men and women become better athletes, but better citizens. With emphasis on work ethic, dedication to a team effort and community service, we are doing our part to have a great impact on the lives of our kids.
PYFL vs GCYFL "Ultimate Bowl"
On December 10, the two rival leagues met for the very first time since splitting in 2005. Games between the Senior and J2/Jr divisons were held featuring the top teams from each league. The J2/Jr game was a bit of a mismatch considering the variance in age and weight. The Raiders of Fillmore (GCYFL) had the advantage and beat the Raiders of Calabasas (PYFL) 34-8.
A more balanced Senior game pitted Super Bowl Champs, Simi Valley Vikings (GCYFL) and the Santa Clarita Warriors (PYFL). A hard fought game saw both teams rely on their strengths with the Vikings coming out on top 31-30 to claim the Ultimate Bowl title.
More Changes?
Now that the two feuding leagues finally agreed to an on-field contest, could there be room for further collaboration? Teams and players from both leagues regularly compete in summer passing leagues and players know each other well from their schools.
Consider the possibility of having all six SCV programs participate in the same league. Locally the structure is in place as all the Foothill League high schools now have a dedicated youth football program. Is it possible for all parties to come together and engage in constructive dialogue to explore the formatin of a SCV community based conference?
It will require plenty of patience, accommodation and compromise from all the Chapters. It may be a bit painful the first year to get it set up, but the end results and benefits could make it worthwhile.
Imagine a Santa Clarita youth division that will allow for all the kids to play and compete with their friends. SC Grizzlies, Canyon Outlaws, Saugus Spartans, SCV Warriors, SC Wildcats and SC Vikings. Add to that re-establishing old rivalries with other communities that have been dormant for many years.
I like it. What say you? Share your comments below.
JMc
Reader Comments (1)