At long last, Yanni Field is about to see some action.
On Saturday, Nov. 28, Mike Brooks will host the high school’s first official Turkey Bowl, a five-on-five flag football tournament. Check-in time is 9:30 a.m.
Brooks jumped through some hoops to get the go-ahead, completing a hefty checklist to cover all protocols and safety measures. He finally satisfied both state and local health officials.
“We’ve received a permit from the State of Nevada and are ready to roll,” says the longtime teacher, coach and athletic director. “My plan is to have everyone play four games, so they get their money’s worth.”
Each team will pay $150. For free agents, the cost is $20. Spectators get in for free, with crowd size capped at 250.
“To enter the sports complex, everyone will be screened and have their temperatures checked. That goes for players and spectators,” said the coach. “Except for players that are actively playing, everyone will be required to wear masks.”
Brooks is hoping to have 12 teams sign up. So far, athletic-types from Reno, California and some locals have expressed interest.
“I mainly have out of town teams so far,” says Brooks.
Tony T Le, from Sparks, plans to help referee. “I will bring a great crew for you, the best of the best,” he told Brooks.
PCHS students and a local photographer will record the highlights of the day.
Expect to see Pershing County Mustang football players on the field and helping out. The funds will pay for their equipment and video software.
No doubt, seniors Logan Oberman and Jordan Gentry will lend a hand. They’re among the players who completed their agility and conditioning workouts during the shutdown.
So did Devin Moura, Victor Flores, Conner Fecht, Tanner Woodard and Zeke Jackson. The entire team is on track to complete their 28-day lifting requirement by winter break.
“Girls are welcome to play, but not many sign-ups yet,” added the coach.
Brooks hopes the freshman girls will be a force on the field, including five basketball players that transitioned from Colts to Lady Mustangs this fall: Taylor Garland, Miya Gallagher, Madyson Grenz, Anna Happy and Kaylah Hanley.
Freshman boy basketball players like Thomas Meyers, Conner Fecht and Aaron Kienbaum may also head out to the football field. Brooks invites everyone high school age and older to team up for a good cause, whatever their sport.
There will be an A team for more experienced flag players.
The B team is for people newer to the sport. Brooks will provide water, making sure everyone stays hydrated.
Although this will be Lovelock’s first official Turkey Bowl, the sports community plays for fun every Thanksgiving.
Also, many Pershing athletes cut their teeth on flag football.
In 2009, Sydney Jensen (Class of 2018) and Davis Murphy (Class of 2019) each played the sport. Both went on to excel athletically.
Last summer, the Has Beens, from Fernley, walked away from Yanni Field with a flag football championship.
The team names offer a clue to the light-hearted attitude on the field. The Has Beens competed alongside the Mom Team, Battle Born Ballers, Average Joes and Corn Dogs.
To register for the Turkey Bowl, visit lovelockturkeybowl.weebly.com or contact Mike Brooks.
