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PPAL Super Bowl Weekend A Success

Eric Horchy/SUNCOAST

New Port Richey quarterback Eric Vitale shrugs off a hit from Land O' Lakes' Chris Ayers.

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: November 21, 2008

Updated:

ZEPHYRHILLS - The Super Bowl's return to Tampa may be more than two months away, but a mini-sized precursor was held last Saturday right in the cozy confines of Pasco County.

Zephyrhills played host the 2008 Pasco Police Athletic League's annual Super Bowl festivities at Krusen Park. There was less pomp and prestige in comparison to the annual NFL championship extravaganza, but there was just as much heart and enthusiasm on display.

Five games were played throughout the day between the two surviving teams in each age bracket. Kids ranged from 5 years of age (Junior Flyweights) through 17 (Varsity).

The Lutz football program came away as overwhelming victors of the production in terms of wins, sending three teams and winning two championships, but the day carried an air of determined accomplishment that was exuded from all involved.

"The event itself is a day for the kids and their successes," said New Port Richey Mighty Mite Coach Ron Katz. "It's a chance to get rewarded for basically 22 weeks worth of practice and games."

All 10 teams received trophies following their respective games, equating to nearly 800 honors bestowed.

"To watch them after the first few days of practice crying and not believing they're doing this, and then seeing them at the end of the year - they're not little kids anymore. They're really young men and I'm so proud of how they grasp that situation and embrace the challenge."

Katz's squad, which went 12-0 before falling to Land O' Lakes Saturday, was one of three New Port Richey teams who made it all the way. The varsity Buccaneers triumphed to start the day's festivities, beating Lutz 8-6. Hudson's Flyweight team also represented West Pasco.

Adding a new wrinkle to the day's schedule, cheerleaders were given the opportunity to perform one last time in front of the football players and all the leagues instead of just those who show at cheer competitions, said Marsha Decena, Zephyrhills' PPAL director. The girls were able to be highlighted further for a bigger crowd and were also presented their first through third place trophies.

"It was a tremendous day," Decena said. "Everything went great. We had some awesome games played and the fireworks show was fantastic."

The post-game pyrotechnics were one supplement to the day of football, in addition to a climbing wall and bounce house for kids.

"I think it was a great Super Bowl," PPAL Director Mark Gardiner said. "Zephyrhills did a great job putting it on, the kids had a blast and we had probably some of the best youth football games I've ever seen.

"The bar has been set very high for next year's Super Bowl recipient."

While this marks the end of PPAL's season, there is still one more annual event to look forward to: next week's Turkey Bowl.

More than 40 teams from all over the area, the state and beyond will convene at Pasco County's Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson, for three days of football beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving.

More PPAL Super Bowl photos are posted to www.suncoastnews.com and click on the sports tab.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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