Ramona Chargers youth football begins first season

On Monday, July 23, the 2012 American Youth Football season began its first year in Ramona.

Practices for the Ramona Chargers will be held for the first two weeks at Ramona High School stadium and will then move to Olive Peirce Middle School on Aug. 6.

For its first year, the Ramona Chargers will have four teams playing in the Inland Valley Youth Football and Cheer Conference.

The youngest is the Flag team. It consists of players from ages 5 to 7 and will be coached by Head Coach Johnny Gaines and Joe Frederick.

The Pee Wee Team has sixth grade players, with ages ranging from 10 to 12. They will be coached by Head Coach Gene Seidl and assistants Cody Mutter, Alberto Cortez, and Roberto Lopez.

On the seventh grade Junior Midget team, players aged 11 to 13, will be coached by Head coach Matt Curtiss, and assistants Kory Hine, Lyn Jordan, Terry Marquez, Jim Richards, Tod Savage, and Craig Snyder.

The Chargers oldest team will be the eighth grade team, consisting of players aged 12 to 14. The coaching staff for the Midget team will be led by former Julian Varsity Head Coach and Ramona High School coach Bob Schulty. His assistants will be Eddie Brisendine, Jarrett Pierce and John Steingraber.

“Our plan is to run the Ramona High School program and get our eighth graders prepared to enter high school with an advanced understanding of the Bulldog system and terminology. With no weight limits, this presents a great opportunity for the future high school linemen to get a head start on Coach Baldwin’s very advanced blocking schemes,” said Coach Schulty.

The Chargers home games will be played on Saturdays at the Ramona High School Stadium. Flag games will begin at 9 a.m., Pee Wee at 3 p.m., Junior Midget at 5 p.m., and Midget at 7 p.m. under the lights. Their league games will be against teams from North Coast, Temecula, Murrieta, and Del Norte.

While practices have begun, there is still plenty of time to join. The Chargers’ first games of the season are on Aug. 18.

“We do not have a deadline, and we also have scholarships available for players who need assistance. Just give us a call,” said league President Matt Curtiss.

The Chargers have a car show scheduled for Aug. 11 at Ramona High School, titled “Hot Summer Nights.” All proceeds from the show will go towards the teams and the player scholarships.

For more information on playing, coaching, sponsorship, or entering the car show, visit the Ramona Charger website at ramonachargers.com or contact Matt Curtiss at 760-802-3842.