Last year, youth football returned to the Española Valley after a 10-year absence. This year, it’s bigger and better than ever.
Javin Coriz, president of the Española Youth American Football League, helped bring back youth football last season when he started the Española Valley Red Birds, comprised of players aged 6 through 8. This year, Española will field two teams of 6 to 8-year-olds and another team of 9 and 10-year-olds.
All three teams will play in the Santa Fe Youth American Football League.
“Last year, I wanted to bring it back,” Coriz said. “This year we have 40 new kids. So far, so good.”
The 6 to 8-year-olds will play as the Lil’ Devils and the Falcons. Both teams scrimmaged Aug. 14 at McCurdy School. The Lil’ Devils have players who participated last year, and their experience showed. They scored a touchdown on nearly every play, while the Falcons were usually thrown for a loss.
“This year, the Lil’ Devils are really well-disciplined,” Coriz said. “Last year, they were running all over the field.”
Coriz said the Falcons will come around after they get some experience.
The team for 9 and 10-year-olds will be known as the Sundevils.
Although Coriz has a son, Noah, playing youth football, he said he plans to stick around even when his son no longer plays in the league.
“Some parents will be involved and coach as long as their kids are playing, but I plan to stay around,” Coriz said. “I like to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they first get their helmets.”
Assisting Coriz this season is Española League Vice President Mike Torrez.
“When the kids, at the end of the day, ask you about the next practice — that’s rewarding,” Torrez said.
Coriz played for Española Valley High School football coach Bill Moon back in 1997, at Santa Fe’s Capital High School, and said he wants the youth program to complement school-based sports programs.
“Next year, we want to start an 11 to 12-year-old team and eventually feed these kids all the way to the middle school and high school,” Coriz said.
Although the Lil’ Devils didn’t win a game last season, Coriz said that will change this year.
“Last year, we were the new kids on the block,” he said. “Those kids that were here last year are more motivated, because they have something to prove.”
The League will hold its opening ceremonies Saturday at 8:15 a.m. and will play its games at Alto Park, in Santa Fe. When the season schedule has been finalized, it will be posted at www.esapnolayafl.com.