Thanks to the Montezuma Titans youth football program, more local young people are hitting the gridiron than ever before.
On Aug. 30, all three Titans teams were in action in Cortez, competing against teams from Farmington and Bayfield.
Leading off the action was the Titans third-grade team, which entered action with a 2-0 record on the season.
Racing around a field that included temporary goal posts, yard markers and hash marks, Titans players displayed their rushing, throwing and tackling talents.
Among the players participating in the game was third-grade lineman Kaiden Wyatt, whose propensity to play hard was evident from the game’s opening snap.
“I like getting to tackle,” said Wyatt. “I love throwing people to the ground.”
Also playing well for the Titans was linebacker Dillon Eichner, a Denver Broncos fan who is currently in third grade.
“I love to that you get to tackle and run,” said Eichner when asked what he enjoys most about playing for the Titans.
Offering more than just football however, the Titans program offers players an opportunity to form bonds with teammates and coaches alike.
“I have a lot of friends on the team,” said Titans outside linebacker Darren Daves, who is currently in second grade.
In addition to the Titans third-grade team, a Titans team comprised of fourth-fifth graders and a team comprised of sixth graders was also in action.
Although Titans teams often travel to Durango, Farmington, Bayfield and other locations for games, local teams will compete at Parque de Vida fields throughout the fall.
For more information on the Titans football program, contact Rowdy Thompson at 970-739-3073.