Pop Warner season off to fun start
Since the beginning of August, players, coaches, cheerleaders and loyal supporters have been preparing for the start of a new Pop Warner football season.
The action heated up Saturday and Sunday as programs such as the Cape Coral Junior Football Association and Cape Coral Youth Football Association participated in preseason jamborees.
It was of little importance that no scores were kept during the preseason games.
This was a chance for individuals and teams to see how far they’ve come after hours of hard work.
“All the coaches were happy with the progress of their teams and we didn’t have any injuries,” said Dirk Smith, who coaches the Cape Coral Youth Mitey Mite Cyclones. “It was a nice start to a great and fun season.”
Many of the upper-division teams competed in a preseason jamboree Saturday in Charlotte, while another was held Sunday at the Storms Complex for younger divisions such as the Tiny Mite (ages 5-7) and Mitey Mite (8-10).
Games were played simultaneously on two separate fields at the Storms Complex.
The Cyclones were led by tight end/outside linebacker Kobe Gee, who wore No. 5.
In their first game against the Port Charlotte Warriors, Gee came up with a key tackle in the backfield, which resulted in a 12-yard loss for the Warriors.
He continued his inspired play in the second contest against the North Fort Myers Red Knights.
Gee had the pivotal block to spring teammate Jalen Ellis on a 60-yard touchdown run, and added a forced fumble that was recovered by the Cyclones.
“It was the best game he’s had in four years,” said Smith, his longtime coach.
Other teams such as the Mitey Mite Typhoons were pleased with how they looked for the first time out.
The Peace River Conference season begins Saturday.
The Cape Coral Junior Football Association, which operates at Caloosa Park, travels to face the Estero Mustangs.
Cape Youth hosts the Naples Hurricanes at the Storms Complex and the North Fort Myers Knights entertain the Naples Bears at North Fort Myers Community Park.
Cape Junior and Cape Youth collide Oct. 17 at Caloosa.