By Robert Hudson

The Selma Times-Journal

With youthful excitement in the air, the Selma Youth Football League season began Saturday morning.

Games began at 8 a.m. with 14 teams in seven games playing at Memorial Stadium throughout the day, with players ranging from ages 5 to 12 years old.

The new season gives the young players a chance to have fun and even make some new friends.

“It feels good to start the season because you get to have a new start and play with new guys that you’ve never met before,” said Tyriq Fells, a 12 year old who plays for the Falcons.

The new season also brings back a competitive edge in the young ballplayers.

“It feels good to get the season started because we want to beat those Cowboys like crazy,” said. Kobe Stewart, an 8 year old who plays for the Raiders.

Some of the young players are also excited about learning more about the game from new coaches, as well as having fun and practicing good sportsmanship.

“It’s good because you have new coaches, new team members and it’s good to play with the other teams and have fun,” said Broderick Tripp, a 10 year old who plays for the Falcons.

The opening day of the season was also a big day for parents, as they showed up to Memorial Stadium to cheer on their children.

Arickia Hunter, whose son Deonta Hunter plays in the youth league, said football has a positive impact on a child’s life.

“It’s amazing, this is his third year,” Hunter said. “I feel it’s a privilege because it’s getting them ready for the next step. It’s worth bringing your child out here and giving him something positive to do and it keeps them out of trouble. It’s a blessing.”

Neketha Gunn, another parent who attended the games Saturday, agreed that football is a good teaching tool for children and a way to keep them out of trouble.

“I love football, so it feels good to come out here and watch these kids learn and put forth the effort that they put forth,” Gunn said. “It feels real good to see them doing something positive and staying out of trouble.”

The day began with the 11-and-12-year-old teams, as the Jets played the Falcons, with the Jets winning 28-20.

The second game of the day was also between two 11-and-12-year-old teams, as the Vikings played the 49ers, with the Vikings winning 12-0.

The 5 and 6 years olds were next, as the Junior Bears defeated the Junior Raiders 22-6.

The Junior Dolphins defeated the Junior Cowboys 32-0 in a game between two 5-and-6-year-old teams.

The Bears defeated the Broncos 26-0 in a game between two 7, 8, 9-and-10-year-old teams.

The Raiders won 40-0 against the Cowboys in another game between two 7, 8, 9-and-10-year-old teams.

The Colts defeated the Dolphins 36-0 in the final game of the day—another contest between two 7, 8, 9-and-10-year-old teams.