The sharp crack of helmets striking, the thud and ensuing sigh of bodies colliding and succumbing to gravity on the gridiron, the cheers in unison, the high-pitched whistles of fans and the shouts of coaches as they urge one last heroic play from the offensive line. This is the cacophony of tackle football.
The tackle football teams and cheerleading squads that hail from our two cities own the spotlight beginning in August until the final playoff games, some as late as December. Players and cheerleaders learn the details of their sports and each other as they join with their respective teammates and stride toward a common goal; to be the best, remain determined and shine brighter than any other squad out there. With their experienced coaches and unquenchable spirits, young men and ladies learn the difference between a down and a flier, a Hail Mary and a blitz. They are taught that sportsmanship, like patience, is sometimes hard to live with, but is vital for living well.
Parkland Rangers President Thom Champa is extra excited about this year’s season due to an exciting new change. With more than 200 players and cheerleaders involved in the 8 year-old program, he feels that the club is now poised to be one of the best in Florida. “We have always been a Pop Warner League,” he tells us, “and now we’ve joined the Greater Miami South Florida Pop Warner Conference!”
The Rangers are the 4th Broward County team to join the Miami Conference, which operates in all of Dade and Broward counties. Because Thom knows that the Rangers have just joined the nation’s most successful youth tackle football conference, he’s confident about the opportunities Parkland players will have as they compete with the very best. “This is a big move for the Parkland Rangers,” he says with signature Black & Gold pride.
Don’t miss the gridiron action beginning this fall. Show your colors and your support as our kids take the fields for another stellar season! For Rangers sign up info, please go to www.ParklandRangers.com.
