Three youth football teams played in recent state title games with at least two heading to Florida for national championships.
The SEV Thunder beat the West Valley Raiders, 30-26, and will attempt to win another national title, this time in the All-American division, in December with a 25-game win streak intact. Alan Money was named national coach of the year after the 2011 accomplishments.
The Jr. Midget Thunder lost 16-8 to the Mesa Soldiers in the title game.
The SEV Wildcats defeated the Scottsdale Firebirds 26-19 in the Division I title game.
In order for the teams to continue their football endeavors they are reaching out to the community, and asking for support. Sponsorship money will help cover expenses including tournament registration fees, equipment, airfare, and hotel accommodations for players and coaches.
The Wildcats are selling raffles tickets at the Safeway at 48th Street and Elliot Road the next two Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are also accepting donations at http://ayfregistration.com/sev/sponsorJPWWildcats.php.
The All-American Thunder are also seeking sponsors. If interested, contact Sandy Money at (480) 759-1111 or anyone can visit the donor page, http://ayfregistration.com/sev/sponsorAAThunder.php.
They are also going to have a donation center setup up at the Safeway near the Chandler Boulevard and 40th Street intersection on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24.
The Jr. Midget Thunder, which can still earn an at-large bid to nationals, is hosting a Texas Hold’em poker tournament on Sunday at the Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, at 3 p.m.
The buy in is $100 with 50 percent of the proceeds going toward the football program. For more information on this, contact Derek Hunley at (602) 565-3916.
• Beverly Stidham, (480) 898-7924 or bstidham@ahwatukee.com
