Football goes back a long way in Lovelock. History fades with the passage of time. But the future of the sport stands out in bright red and black.
On Thursday, Nov. 2, the Lovelock Youth Football League celebrated the end of its 2017 season. Kids, parents and coaches gathered on the Little League baseball field.
Their ages range from toddler through teen, but each team plays hard. Flag (5-7), Rookie (8-9), Junior (10-11) and Senior (12-14) athletes competed in several games this season, both at home and on the road. They played against Winnemucca, Yerington and Battle Mountain.
Jon Wright steps down as the director at the close of the season. Over the years, he and Chelsea Wright have become synonymous with youth football. But they had help.
Lee Houston, Jared Jensen and Buzz Brooks coached the youngest teams this season.
“We brought back flag football so our younger players could learn the game in a more laidback setting than tackle allows,” said Jon Wright.
Wayne Maita, Jayce Montes, Tim Rhodes, and Raul Rosas coached the Rookies. Jon Wright, Chad Chambers, Tom Donaldson and Gene Stevenson worked with the Juniors. And Joey Gottschalk, Russell Stokes and Anthony Moura led the Seniors.
“Overall, I thought the season went well,” said Jon Wright. “Our Rookies made it all the way to the championship game. Our Junior and Senior teams also won a few games this year.”
Maita presented Moura with an award for coaching “some twenty years, give or take.” He observed that Moura retired at the close of the season.
“We’ll see how that goes,” mused his friend and fellow coach.
After presenting a plaque to Chelsea Wright, Moura talked about the significance of the youth football program.
“We’re a feeder program for middle and high school football,” he told the athletes. “Learn to be coachable. Learn to be competitive. Work hard.”
Jon Wright agreed.
“Watching the kids who’ve come out of our league succeed at the high school level speaks to the commitment of our coaches, volunteers, and parents,” he said. “I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to run this program.”
