M A G Z N E

Middle Tennessee’s Leading Youth Community Football Magazine for Parents, Youth and Sports Officials

Blazin’

Post Season Bowl

Games for Your

Community Team

Discover Top

Community

Teams In

Our Region

With FRABrentwood Blaze faces off

against Franklin Road

Academy for the first time.

PHOTOS BY NATHAN CROWDER

JACKSON HANNAH (BRENTWOOD BLAZE)TIM COVINGTON (FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY)

Fall 2012

TABLE OF

Founder

Publisher

Editorial Contributors

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Michael Thompson

Advertising Sales

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Published by Michael David Media

P.O. Box 2513 | Brentwood, TN 37024

Tel. (615) 832-5388 | Fax (615) 832-1040

www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

Lajuan@michaeldavidmedia.com

Byron Blandin

Linette Daniels

Mike Jones

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Gridiron

Fall 2012

4 Advice From Coach MikeRead about tips andideas to help run asuccessful program.

5 League StandingsDiscover topcommunity teamsin our region as ofOctober 6, 2012.

6 HighlightsStay up to date withvarious teamsaround the leagues.

Feature

4

10 To the Coach

13 Empowering Youth

14 Events

Exclusive info forcoaches.

Find out ways to helpyour child learn timemanagement.

Activities and otherevents around ourregion.

BLAZIN WITH F.R.A.’

8

BY LAJUAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS

Brentwood Blaze faces offagainst Franklin Road

Academy for the first time.Pictured here are players

Jackson Hannah (BrentwoodBlaze) and Tim Covington(Franklin Road Academy).

PAGE 6

PAGE 14

PAGE 4

GRIDIRON

GRIDIRON

GRIDIRON

is published four times per year (August, September, October, November) by Michael David Media. Post Office Box 2513,Brentwood,Tennessee 37024, (615) 832-5388. DISTRIBUTION: Free subscription to qualified recipients. See Website for additional distributioninformation. All rights are strictly reserved, and reproduction in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from thepublisher. is funded privately and is not affiliated with--nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of--the local community footballleagues, sports associations, its advertisers, or any other entities. is printed in the USA. Web address:http://www.michaeldavidmedia.com. Copyright©2012 Michael David Media.

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 3

Page

TABLE OF

Founder

Publisher

Editorial Contributors

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Michael Thompson

Advertising Sales

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Published by Michael David Media

P.O. Box 2513 | Brentwood, TN 37024

Tel. (615) 832-5388 | Fax (615) 832-1040

www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

Lajuan@michaeldavidmedia.com

Byron Blandin

Linette Daniels

Mike Jones

LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Gridiron

Fall 2012

4 Advice From Coach MikeRead about tips andideas to help run asuccessful program.

5 League StandingsDiscover topcommunity teamsin our region as ofOctober 6, 2012.

6 HighlightsStay up to date withvarious teamsaround the leagues.

Feature

4

10 To the Coach

13 Empowering Youth

14 Events

Exclusive info forcoaches.

Find out ways to helpyour child learn timemanagement.

Activities and otherevents around ourregion.

BLAZIN WITH F.R.A.’

8

BY LAJUAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS

Brentwood Blaze faces offagainst Franklin Road

Academy for the first time.Pictured here are players

Jackson Hannah (BrentwoodBlaze) and Tim Covington(Franklin Road Academy).

PAGE 6

PAGE 14

PAGE 4

GRIDIRON

GRIDIRON

GRIDIRON

is published four times per year (August, September, October, November) by Michael David Media. Post Office Box 2513,Brentwood,Tennessee 37024, (615) 832-5388. DISTRIBUTION: Free subscription to qualified recipients. See Website for additional distributioninformation. All rights are strictly reserved, and reproduction in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from thepublisher. is funded privately and is not affiliated with--nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of--the local community footballleagues, sports associations, its advertisers, or any other entities. is printed in the USA. Web address:http://www.michaeldavidmedia.com. Copyright©2012 Michael David Media.

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 3

Page

As of October 5, 2012 these are the top 3 lead-ers in Midstate AAA and BBB. For currentstandings visit: http://leaguelineup.com/msyfl

AAAUNA Bears 6-0Neely's Bend Tigers 6-0Lavergne Wolverines 5-1

BBBUNA Bears 6-0Hendersonville Knights 5-1Lavergne Wolverines 4-2

As of October 5, 2012 these are the top 3 lead-ers in TNYFL AAA and BBB. For currentstandings visit: www.tnyfl.org

AAABrentwood Blaze 4-1Blackman Blaze 4-0Franklin Cowboys 2-3

BBBBlackman Blaze 4-1Franklin Cowboys 4-1Spring Hill Coyotes 2-2

As of October 5, 2012 these are thetop 3 leaders in TYFA AAA andBBB. For current standings visit:www.tyfa.org.

AAANational ConferenceBordeaux Eagles 5-0Old Hickory Bulldogs 5-0Donelson Hermitage Warriors 4-1

Central ConferenceBellevue Steelers 5-0East Side Bobcats 4-2Waverly Belmont Bulldogs 4-1

American ConferenceMiddle Tennessee Bulldogs 5-0Lebanon Blue Devils 5-1Grassland Golden Eagles 4-1

BBBNational ConferenceSmyrna Bulldogs 5-1Mt. Juliet Bears 4-1Goodlettsville Trojans 3-2

Central ConferenceShelbyville Eagles 6-0Waverly Belmont Bulldogs 4-1Bellevue Steelers 3-2

American ConferenceLebanon Blue Devils 6-0Nolensville Panthers 4-1Cookeville Cavaliers 3-2

As League directors, administrators, parents, andfootball coaches at all levels, we must adapt a con-tinuous improving model for the application ofSafe football practices and Proper football tech-niques within each and every one of our youthfootball leagues here in Middle Tennessee. Hereare a few suggestions for you to consider:

Make a commitment to have your coachesvisit with High School, and college coachesto talk, demonstrate, and perhaps give you

film of the hitting/tackling drills that they use. Maketheir practice habits your habits.

As league directors, try to make all your teams schedulethere hitting/tackling drills at the same time daily sothat you can make evaluation rounds to ensure propertechniques are being taught.

Parents, be aware of improper technique being prac-ticed by a coach. If the child is at risk of injury youmust intervene.

Know your players ability and monitor who they com-pete against in practice and games.

Bea leaguethathasauniversal languageforteach-ing tackling techniques. In the Lebanon Youthfootball League, we teach our kids to BITE THEFOOTBALL.Your facehas tobeup tobite.NORAMMING. Thepracticeof facedownhead toheadcontactwillbepunished.

Be a League that has a continuing educationpolicy for football coaches. Have coachesclinics, and teach your coaches the properdrills for teaching football techniques. Studyvideo in these clinics, even YouTube hasgreat football drills available.

Lets raise the standard for the application of Safe foot-ball practices and Proper football techniques in ouryouth football leagues here inn middle Tennessee. Ourkids deserve that from us.

Advice LeagueFROM COACH MIKE STANDINGS

Mike Jones spent 9 years in the NFL as a defensivelineman. He has played in two Super Bowls andretired with the Tennessee Titans. He is currentlyan assistant coach with Lebanon High school andthe Lebanon Blue Devils community league.

4 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazineGRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 5

GYM

As of October 5, 2012 these are the top 3 lead-ers in Midstate AAA and BBB. For currentstandings visit: http://leaguelineup.com/msyfl

AAAUNA Bears 6-0Neely's Bend Tigers 6-0Lavergne Wolverines 5-1

BBBUNA Bears 6-0Hendersonville Knights 5-1Lavergne Wolverines 4-2

As of October 5, 2012 these are the top 3 lead-ers in TNYFL AAA and BBB. For currentstandings visit: www.tnyfl.org

AAABrentwood Blaze 4-1Blackman Blaze 4-0Franklin Cowboys 2-3

BBBBlackman Blaze 4-1Franklin Cowboys 4-1Spring Hill Coyotes 2-2

As of October 5, 2012 these are thetop 3 leaders in TYFA AAA andBBB. For current standings visit:www.tyfa.org.

AAANational ConferenceBordeaux Eagles 5-0Old Hickory Bulldogs 5-0Donelson Hermitage Warriors 4-1

Central ConferenceBellevue Steelers 5-0East Side Bobcats 4-2Waverly Belmont Bulldogs 4-1

American ConferenceMiddle Tennessee Bulldogs 5-0Lebanon Blue Devils 5-1Grassland Golden Eagles 4-1

BBBNational ConferenceSmyrna Bulldogs 5-1Mt. Juliet Bears 4-1Goodlettsville Trojans 3-2

Central ConferenceShelbyville Eagles 6-0Waverly Belmont Bulldogs 4-1Bellevue Steelers 3-2

American ConferenceLebanon Blue Devils 6-0Nolensville Panthers 4-1Cookeville Cavaliers 3-2

As League directors, administrators, parents, andfootball coaches at all levels, we must adapt a con-tinuous improving model for the application ofSafe football practices and Proper football tech-niques within each and every one of our youthfootball leagues here in Middle Tennessee. Hereare a few suggestions for you to consider:

Make a commitment to have your coachesvisit with High School, and college coachesto talk, demonstrate, and perhaps give you

film of the hitting/tackling drills that they use. Maketheir practice habits your habits.

As league directors, try to make all your teams schedulethere hitting/tackling drills at the same time daily sothat you can make evaluation rounds to ensure propertechniques are being taught.

Parents, be aware of improper technique being prac-ticed by a coach. If the child is at risk of injury youmust intervene.

Know your players ability and monitor who they com-pete against in practice and games.

Bea leaguethathasauniversal languageforteach-ing tackling techniques. In the Lebanon Youthfootball League, we teach our kids to BITE THEFOOTBALL.Your facehas tobeup tobite.NORAMMING. Thepracticeof facedownhead toheadcontactwillbepunished.

Be a League that has a continuing educationpolicy for football coaches. Have coachesclinics, and teach your coaches the properdrills for teaching football techniques. Studyvideo in these clinics, even YouTube hasgreat football drills available.

Lets raise the standard for the application of Safe foot-ball practices and Proper football techniques in ouryouth football leagues here inn middle Tennessee. Ourkids deserve that from us.

Advice LeagueFROM COACH MIKE STANDINGS

Mike Jones spent 9 years in the NFL as a defensivelineman. He has played in two Super Bowls andretired with the Tennessee Titans. He is currentlyan assistant coach with Lebanon High school andthe Lebanon Blue Devils community league.

4 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazineGRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 5

GYM

MIDSTATE

TNYFL

West Nashville Broncoswww.westnashvillebroncos.com

West Nashville Broncos are the youthfootball and cheerleading squads of WestNashville Youth Sports, a non-profitorganization. Headquartered at HadleyPark in Nashville, Tennessee, the organi-

zation is open to youth 5-14 years from throughout middleTennessee. As a result of hard work and excellent coaches, ourteams and cheer squads have won multiple "National Champi-onships". All Broncos coaches are certified through USA Foot-ball, the national governing body for youth football in theUnited States. The Broncos are proud members of Mid-StateYouth Football League.

2011 Post AppearancesCC Broncos - Contenders BowlCC Broncos - Ironman BowlCCC Broncos - MSYFL ChampionshipsCCC Broncos - National Champ. - Daytona Beach, FLJPW Broncos - Contenders BowlTWP Broncos - MSYFL ChampionshipsBBB Broncos MSYFL - Classic ChampionshipsBBB Broncos National Championships - Daytona Beach, FL

Provided by website and Facebook page

UNA Bearswww.una.bears.org

Una Bears Youth Football providesopportunities for boys and girls ages5-12 in football and cheerleading inNashville, TN. Una Recreation Center(URC) is co-located with Una Recre-ation Park, a 26 acre complex locatedin southeastern Nashville, TN. URC isa non-profit corporation dedicated to

the development of the community youth. URC provides rec-reational opportunities in Cheerleading and Football. The parkconsists of 2 competition football fields, 2 multi-purpose fields,

two baseball/softball fields, picnic shelter and playground.URC also owns a two-story building containing offices, meet-ing rooms and equipment storage.

2011 Una Bear ChampionshipsAAA – Mid-State, Battle In Rocky Top National ChampsBBB – Mid-State, Battle In Rocky Top National ChampsCCC – Mid-State, Choo-Choo Bowl National ChampsCC – Mid-StateC – Mid-StateDPW-1 – Mid-State

Provided by website

Spring Hill Coyoteswww.stationhillcoyotes.com

Founded in 2010, the Spring HillCoyotes offers a youth football and

cheerlead-i n g p r o-g r a m f o rchildren ages 4-14, who reside inand around Wil-liamson and Maury

Counties in Middle Tennessee. Every child withthe desire to participate will get the opportunity toplay, without regard to prior experience, athleticability, size or financial commitment. All membersand coaches of the Coyotes Program shall bear in mindthat the attainment of exceptional athletic skills or thewinning of a game is secondary, and the molding andmentoring of future citizens is of primary impor-tance.

2011 AchievementsPeewee Champions - MSYFLClassicCCC Contenders Bowl Champi-ons -AAA 2nd Place - ClassicPeewee Champions - Tom

MSYFLMSYFL

Mcfarland ClassicCCC Champions - Tom Mcfarland Classic

Provided By Website

Brentwood Blazewww.tnyfl.org/brentwoodblaze

As a member of the TNYFL, we are anon-profit organization founded forthe purpose of providing a fun, safe,

educational, and recreational pro-gram for youth football and

cheerleading (ages 5-14) in theBrentwood area of Williamson County.

2011 Championship TeamsAA-TYFAA-White-TYFAB-Gray-TYFACCC-TYFA

Bellevue Steelerswww.teampages.com (SearchBellevue Steelers)

Bellevue SteelersF o o t b a l l a n d

Cheerleading hasprovided the Bellevue

Community with a venuefor youth football and cheer-leading for more than 40

years. Managed by a vol-untary board of directors

under the non-profit auspices of theBellevue Athletic Association, Inc.,the Bellevue Steelers provide a safe,fun team environment for morethan 400 kids 5 to 15 each year toenjoy the game of football andthe sportof cheerleading.

Provided by website

Bordeaux Eagleshttp://www.bordeauxeagles.net

As a member of the Tennes-see Youth Football Alliance(TYFA), we are a non-profitorganization founded for thepurpose of providing a fun,safe, educational, and recre-ational program youth (ages 5-14) in the Bordeaux area ofDavidson County.

2011 ChampionshipsVarsity-TYFAAAA (National Conference)-TYFABBB (National Conference)-TYFAB-1 (National Conference)-TYFATYFA

2011 ChampionshipsBBB-TYFA

2011 Bordeaux Eagles - AAA

Highlighting Various

Teams Around the Leagues

* Teams are featured at random. See future issues for a highlight of other teams.

*

BY LAJUAN STOXTILL-DIGGS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

6 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazineGRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 7

MIDSTATE

TNYFL

West Nashville Broncoswww.westnashvillebroncos.com

West Nashville Broncos are the youthfootball and cheerleading squads of WestNashville Youth Sports, a non-profitorganization. Headquartered at HadleyPark in Nashville, Tennessee, the organi-

zation is open to youth 5-14 years from throughout middleTennessee. As a result of hard work and excellent coaches, ourteams and cheer squads have won multiple "National Champi-onships". All Broncos coaches are certified through USA Foot-ball, the national governing body for youth football in theUnited States. The Broncos are proud members of Mid-StateYouth Football League.

2011 Post AppearancesCC Broncos - Contenders BowlCC Broncos - Ironman BowlCCC Broncos - MSYFL ChampionshipsCCC Broncos - National Champ. - Daytona Beach, FLJPW Broncos - Contenders BowlTWP Broncos - MSYFL ChampionshipsBBB Broncos MSYFL - Classic ChampionshipsBBB Broncos National Championships - Daytona Beach, FL

Provided by website and Facebook page

UNA Bearswww.una.bears.org

Una Bears Youth Football providesopportunities for boys and girls ages5-12 in football and cheerleading inNashville, TN. Una Recreation Center(URC) is co-located with Una Recre-ation Park, a 26 acre complex locatedin southeastern Nashville, TN. URC isa non-profit corporation dedicated to

the development of the community youth. URC provides rec-reational opportunities in Cheerleading and Football. The parkconsists of 2 competition football fields, 2 multi-purpose fields,

two baseball/softball fields, picnic shelter and playground.URC also owns a two-story building containing offices, meet-ing rooms and equipment storage.

2011 Una Bear ChampionshipsAAA – Mid-State, Battle In Rocky Top National ChampsBBB – Mid-State, Battle In Rocky Top National ChampsCCC – Mid-State, Choo-Choo Bowl National ChampsCC – Mid-StateC – Mid-StateDPW-1 – Mid-State

Provided by website

Spring Hill Coyoteswww.stationhillcoyotes.com

Founded in 2010, the Spring HillCoyotes offers a youth football and

cheerlead-i n g p r o-g r a m f o rchildren ages 4-14, who reside inand around Wil-liamson and Maury

Counties in Middle Tennessee. Every child withthe desire to participate will get the opportunity toplay, without regard to prior experience, athleticability, size or financial commitment. All membersand coaches of the Coyotes Program shall bear in mindthat the attainment of exceptional athletic skills or thewinning of a game is secondary, and the molding andmentoring of future citizens is of primary impor-tance.

2011 AchievementsPeewee Champions - MSYFLClassicCCC Contenders Bowl Champi-ons -AAA 2nd Place - ClassicPeewee Champions - Tom

MSYFLMSYFL

Mcfarland ClassicCCC Champions - Tom Mcfarland Classic

Provided By Website

Brentwood Blazewww.tnyfl.org/brentwoodblaze

As a member of the TNYFL, we are anon-profit organization founded forthe purpose of providing a fun, safe,

educational, and recreational pro-gram for youth football and

cheerleading (ages 5-14) in theBrentwood area of Williamson County.

2011 Championship TeamsAA-TYFAA-White-TYFAB-Gray-TYFACCC-TYFA

Bellevue Steelerswww.teampages.com (SearchBellevue Steelers)

Bellevue SteelersF o o t b a l l a n d

Cheerleading hasprovided the Bellevue

Community with a venuefor youth football and cheer-leading for more than 40

years. Managed by a vol-untary board of directors

under the non-profit auspices of theBellevue Athletic Association, Inc.,the Bellevue Steelers provide a safe,fun team environment for morethan 400 kids 5 to 15 each year toenjoy the game of football andthe sportof cheerleading.

Provided by website

Bordeaux Eagleshttp://www.bordeauxeagles.net

As a member of the Tennes-see Youth Football Alliance(TYFA), we are a non-profitorganization founded for thepurpose of providing a fun,safe, educational, and recre-ational program youth (ages 5-14) in the Bordeaux area ofDavidson County.

2011 ChampionshipsVarsity-TYFAAAA (National Conference)-TYFABBB (National Conference)-TYFAB-1 (National Conference)-TYFATYFA

2011 ChampionshipsBBB-TYFA

2011 Bordeaux Eagles - AAA

Highlighting Various

Teams Around the Leagues

* Teams are featured at random. See future issues for a highlight of other teams.

*

BY LAJUAN STOXTILL-DIGGS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

6 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazineGRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 7

Blazin’With

F.R.A.

BY LAJUAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS

PHOTOS BY NATHAN CROWDER

On a chilly, misty Monday afternoon,when most middle school boys andgirls are in the comfort of their homesgetting ready for the next school day.But, two Gridiron teams were prepar-ing to face off in an inaugural gameon the hill at Franklin Road Academy.

The Franklin Road Academy Pan-thers middle school squad hostedthe Brentwood Blaze AAA in agame that provided tons of enter-tainment and sportsmanship on

and off the field. Franklin Road Academy went onto win this game against the Brentwood Blaze 20-8and giving their 7th graders momentum to buildoff of for next year.

Weeks earlier Franklin Road Academy's middleschool football team earned national spotlight onESPN's Sports Center with the number one playof the week.

Some have coined the play as “Middle School Mira-cle,” in reference to the “Music City Miracle” playby the Tennessee Titans on January 8, 2000. In anamazing twist, the Titans used the same play againthree days later vs. the Detroit Lions. Check thisout! #37 (Tim Covington) scored the touchdownfor FRA. #37 scored the touchdown for the Ti-tans. FRA won its game 44-41 and the Titans wontheir game 44-41.

The Brentwood Blaze Youth Football and Cheer-leading program is a non-profit organizationfounded for the purpose of providing an educa-tional and recreational program for youth in theBrentwood area of Williamson County, Tennes-see. The emphasis is upon being a winner in life.The Brentwood Blaze home field is located atCrockett Park in Williamson County.

Franklin Road Academy (FRA) is a coeducational,college-preparatory school, serving qualified stu-dents in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.Founded in 1971, FRA is a caring and supportivecommunity of parents, teachers, and studentswithin an inclusive Christian environment. FRA'smission is:

To instill in our students a lifelong love of learn-ing, emphasizing academic excellence and collegepreparation

To develop students of integrity with Christianvalues to sustain and lead them in lives that willmake a difference

To guide students to discover needed balance forlife through opportunities in the arts, athletics,and activities

For more information about Brentwood Blazevisit: www.brentwoodblaze.org

For more information about Franklin Road Acad-emy visit:www.franklinroadacademy.com

JACKSON HANNAH

TIM COVINGTON

8 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 9

Blazin’With

F.R.A.

BY LAJUAN STOXSTILL-DIGGS

PHOTOS BY NATHAN CROWDER

On a chilly, misty Monday afternoon,when most middle school boys andgirls are in the comfort of their homesgetting ready for the next school day.But, two Gridiron teams were prepar-ing to face off in an inaugural gameon the hill at Franklin Road Academy.

The Franklin Road Academy Pan-thers middle school squad hostedthe Brentwood Blaze AAA in agame that provided tons of enter-tainment and sportsmanship on

and off the field. Franklin Road Academy went onto win this game against the Brentwood Blaze 20-8and giving their 7th graders momentum to buildoff of for next year.

Weeks earlier Franklin Road Academy's middleschool football team earned national spotlight onESPN's Sports Center with the number one playof the week.

Some have coined the play as “Middle School Mira-cle,” in reference to the “Music City Miracle” playby the Tennessee Titans on January 8, 2000. In anamazing twist, the Titans used the same play againthree days later vs. the Detroit Lions. Check thisout! #37 (Tim Covington) scored the touchdownfor FRA. #37 scored the touchdown for the Ti-tans. FRA won its game 44-41 and the Titans wontheir game 44-41.

The Brentwood Blaze Youth Football and Cheer-leading program is a non-profit organizationfounded for the purpose of providing an educa-tional and recreational program for youth in theBrentwood area of Williamson County, Tennes-see. The emphasis is upon being a winner in life.The Brentwood Blaze home field is located atCrockett Park in Williamson County.

Franklin Road Academy (FRA) is a coeducational,college-preparatory school, serving qualified stu-dents in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve.Founded in 1971, FRA is a caring and supportivecommunity of parents, teachers, and studentswithin an inclusive Christian environment. FRA'smission is:

To instill in our students a lifelong love of learn-ing, emphasizing academic excellence and collegepreparation

To develop students of integrity with Christianvalues to sustain and lead them in lives that willmake a difference

To guide students to discover needed balance forlife through opportunities in the arts, athletics,and activities

For more information about Brentwood Blazevisit: www.brentwoodblaze.org

For more information about Franklin Road Acad-emy visit:www.franklinroadacademy.com

JACKSON HANNAH

TIM COVINGTON

8 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 9

Youthfootball isagreatac-tivityforyoungmentopar-ticipate in. Youth sportslike football are beneficialto young people for a vari-etyof reasons.

t provides a great outlet for physical exer-cise, making it a good option to keep kids fitand healthy instead of spending their freetime sitting on the couch watching televi-sion. Playing on a

football team helps kidswork as a team and ingroups to accomplishteam oriented goals ratherthan focusing solely on theself. Coaching young peo-ple in the sport of footballcan be a real challenge,especially when it comesto wasting practice time.

A youth football practicesession is only a couple ofhours long, meaning thatyou as the coach or trainerdo not have much time towork with your team. It isdifficult to teach anythingto a group of young peo-ple in such a short amount of time and have themretain what they have learned. Add to this the factthat most young people have short attention spans

and you can see how easy it is to waste those pre-cious moments during practice and how that canhave a negative impact on what you are trying toaccomplish during the session. Even when youtake breaks and there is no instruction during thebreak, you are wasting hours over the length ofthe entire season.

There are many different ways you can avoid wast-ing time during a youth football practice session.Many teams use scrimmage matches and games asa tool to help sharpen the skills learned duringinstruction times and to allow players to see howthese skills apply to a given situation. Most teamsuse scrimmage vests to tell the two scrimmageteams apart from each other. Rather than waste

time with vests which cantake up to five or six min-utes to put on, make theswitch to caps. These capssimply slide over yourteam's safety helmets andare much more affordablethan the vests.

Another way to save timeduring youth football prac-tice is to take five minutewater breaks with specialtimes of instruction. Thismeans sitting the teamdown allowing them to resta minute and re-hydrate.While they are sitting andresting, you can use thattime to teach a new play or

to share some instruction regarding a certain funda-mental or position. This enables you to be produc-tiveduringeveryminuteof yourpractice time.

I

To the Coach:How to Save Time during Youth Football Practice Sessions

BY BYRON BLANDIN

10 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

Youthfootball isagreatac-tivityforyoungmentopar-ticipate in. Youth sportslike football are beneficialto young people for a vari-etyof reasons.

t provides a great outlet for physical exer-cise, making it a good option to keep kids fitand healthy instead of spending their freetime sitting on the couch watching televi-sion. Playing on a

football team helps kidswork as a team and ingroups to accomplishteam oriented goals ratherthan focusing solely on theself. Coaching young peo-ple in the sport of footballcan be a real challenge,especially when it comesto wasting practice time.

A youth football practicesession is only a couple ofhours long, meaning thatyou as the coach or trainerdo not have much time towork with your team. It isdifficult to teach anythingto a group of young peo-ple in such a short amount of time and have themretain what they have learned. Add to this the factthat most young people have short attention spans

and you can see how easy it is to waste those pre-cious moments during practice and how that canhave a negative impact on what you are trying toaccomplish during the session. Even when youtake breaks and there is no instruction during thebreak, you are wasting hours over the length ofthe entire season.

There are many different ways you can avoid wast-ing time during a youth football practice session.Many teams use scrimmage matches and games asa tool to help sharpen the skills learned duringinstruction times and to allow players to see howthese skills apply to a given situation. Most teamsuse scrimmage vests to tell the two scrimmageteams apart from each other. Rather than waste

time with vests which cantake up to five or six min-utes to put on, make theswitch to caps. These capssimply slide over yourteam's safety helmets andare much more affordablethan the vests.

Another way to save timeduring youth football prac-tice is to take five minutewater breaks with specialtimes of instruction. Thismeans sitting the teamdown allowing them to resta minute and re-hydrate.While they are sitting andresting, you can use thattime to teach a new play or

to share some instruction regarding a certain funda-mental or position. This enables you to be produc-tiveduringeveryminuteof yourpractice time.

I

To the Coach:How to Save Time during Youth Football Practice Sessions

BY BYRON BLANDIN

10 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

Smyrna Bulldogshttp://www.smyrnayouthfootball.org

Our league offers participationfor boys and girls in recre-ational football and cheerlead-ing. Ages 5 thru 14 can partici-pate in two year age classes.Games are played at theSmyrna Lee Victory Recre-ational Park on Sam Ridley

Parkway in Smyrna and at 17 other facilities aroundthe middle Tennessee area.

2011 ChampionshipsC (National Conference) -TYFA

Goodlettsville Trojanshttp://www.goodlettsvilleyouthfootball.com

We are located in MossWright Park in the heart ofthe Goodlettsville Commu-nity. We are excited to wel-come new families into ourprogram. We are a non-profit organization whosemission is to pro-vide the youth ofour area with a posi-tive and safe footballand/or cheerleading

experience that develops their individual skills,physical fitness, competitive spirit, sportsman-ship and ability to contribute as part of a team.

Donelson Hermitage Warriorshttp://www.dhwarriors.com

We provide an en-couraging environ-ment for children 5-12 years old thatdesire the opportu-nity to participateand grow in youth

football & cheerleading. We are a 501c non-profit corporation. Our Board of Directors,

coaches and team personnel are all volunteers andwork hard to make our organization the best foryour children.

2011 ChampionshipsCC (National Conference) – TYFA

Clarksville Greyhounds

The fall of 2012 marks the 4th year that ClarksvilleGreyhounds Youth Football will provide Clarksville

area children with theopportunity to participatein a sports program thatteaches the fundamentalsof football, teamwork andsportsmanship. ClarksvilleGreyhounds Youth Foot-

ball is a traveling team that plays football in and aroundthe Middle Tennessee Area. Ages 5-14 are representedand each age group also has cheerleaders.

2011 ChampionshipsRunner Up- Junior Pee Wees (TYFA)Runner Up- 11/12 year olds (TYFA)

Information provided by league representative

www.eteamz.com/ClarksvilleGreyhoundsYouthFootball

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

2011 Smyrna Bulldogs - C - White

These days, everyone is busy. This is true even for kids.

You complain about juggling work, household tasks,school activities and family time. You feel out of con-trol with so much to do and too little time to get thingsdone. You get frantic about picking the kids up ontime, getting dinner on the table, caring for the scream-ing little one who demands a lot of attention, and evena simple bedtime routine turns chaotic.

While it is true that time management for parents is achallenge, it also holds true that when you use goodtime management skills, you seta good example for your kids.Helping your children struc-ture their day makes it easier foreveryone to get things done. Italso makes the time you spendwith your children more enjoy-able. The following little tipsare tested as super helpful.Help your child set goals.

What do you want? Where areyou going?

The younger they are the moredifficult they will find thesequestions. Your job as a parent is to help them gain aclear sense of what they want to accomplish; a goal thatyour child can visualize as worth achieving. Talk tothem about what they want and help them focus on anoutcome they like. Involve them in picturing that favor-able outcome and setting their goals. Do not overbur-den them with all the things they SHOULD DO. In-stead let them learn goal setting by reaching for some-thing they really desire. Start when they are young andcontinuously widen the scope, and before you know ityour child will have a pattern of setting and achievinghis or her goals.

Divide and Conquer.

To manage big tasks, teach your kids to 'divide andconquer'. Have them practice dividing task into man-ageable parts. Make sure they include the required time,resources and the steps needed to accomplish the task.You can guide them in scheduling the steps but let themcreate a schedule they can follow. Your child learning to

organize themselves is significant. Praise them fortheir growth each time they make a reasonable deci-sion. Example, "That makes good sense. Great job!”

Routine and Flexibility.

Children know they have time set aside for the regularactivities in their lives. They get up the same time eachmorning to go to school and go to bed at the same timeeach night. They have a daily time for play, doingschool work and chores, and they begin to learn that aschedule helps them accomplish more. Your child will

benefit from having a consistentroutine but it is also important toteach them flexibility. You know,like when life happens!

Brag time.

Parents guide, encourage, listenand praise. When your childrencomplete a task, allow them toreward themselves. Help themannounce their accomplish-ments because it will affirm thatthey have done good work andwill encourage them to continue.

Here are some brag ideas your child can do:

Read samples to an appreciative listener.Grandparents are always good for listening.

Post finished works on a bulletin board or therefrigerator. To keep the space from gettingcluttered, pick a designated spot for showcasingand remove an item when your child wants todisplay something new.

Check tasks off as they are achieved. Youngerchildren will enjoy getting a smiley face stickertoo.

Send samples via email to friends or relatives.This works great if you have a scanner at home.

Just brag about it: "I did it. I knew I could do it!"

£

£

£

£

BY LINETTE DANIELS

Empowering Youth:

WHEN YOURCHILDREN COM-PLETE A TASK,ALLOW THEMTO REWARD

THEMSELVES.

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT

12 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

GYM

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 13

Smyrna Bulldogshttp://www.smyrnayouthfootball.org

Our league offers participationfor boys and girls in recre-ational football and cheerlead-ing. Ages 5 thru 14 can partici-pate in two year age classes.Games are played at theSmyrna Lee Victory Recre-ational Park on Sam Ridley

Parkway in Smyrna and at 17 other facilities aroundthe middle Tennessee area.

2011 ChampionshipsC (National Conference) -TYFA

Goodlettsville Trojanshttp://www.goodlettsvilleyouthfootball.com

We are located in MossWright Park in the heart ofthe Goodlettsville Commu-nity. We are excited to wel-come new families into ourprogram. We are a non-profit organization whosemission is to pro-vide the youth ofour area with a posi-tive and safe footballand/or cheerleading

experience that develops their individual skills,physical fitness, competitive spirit, sportsman-ship and ability to contribute as part of a team.

Donelson Hermitage Warriorshttp://www.dhwarriors.com

We provide an en-couraging environ-ment for children 5-12 years old thatdesire the opportu-nity to participateand grow in youth

football & cheerleading. We are a 501c non-profit corporation. Our Board of Directors,

coaches and team personnel are all volunteers andwork hard to make our organization the best foryour children.

2011 ChampionshipsCC (National Conference) – TYFA

Clarksville Greyhounds

The fall of 2012 marks the 4th year that ClarksvilleGreyhounds Youth Football will provide Clarksville

area children with theopportunity to participatein a sports program thatteaches the fundamentalsof football, teamwork andsportsmanship. ClarksvilleGreyhounds Youth Foot-

ball is a traveling team that plays football in and aroundthe Middle Tennessee Area. Ages 5-14 are representedand each age group also has cheerleaders.

2011 ChampionshipsRunner Up- Junior Pee Wees (TYFA)Runner Up- 11/12 year olds (TYFA)

Information provided by league representative

www.eteamz.com/ClarksvilleGreyhoundsYouthFootball

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

2011 Smyrna Bulldogs - C - White

These days, everyone is busy. This is true even for kids.

You complain about juggling work, household tasks,school activities and family time. You feel out of con-trol with so much to do and too little time to get thingsdone. You get frantic about picking the kids up ontime, getting dinner on the table, caring for the scream-ing little one who demands a lot of attention, and evena simple bedtime routine turns chaotic.

While it is true that time management for parents is achallenge, it also holds true that when you use goodtime management skills, you seta good example for your kids.Helping your children struc-ture their day makes it easier foreveryone to get things done. Italso makes the time you spendwith your children more enjoy-able. The following little tipsare tested as super helpful.Help your child set goals.

What do you want? Where areyou going?

The younger they are the moredifficult they will find thesequestions. Your job as a parent is to help them gain aclear sense of what they want to accomplish; a goal thatyour child can visualize as worth achieving. Talk tothem about what they want and help them focus on anoutcome they like. Involve them in picturing that favor-able outcome and setting their goals. Do not overbur-den them with all the things they SHOULD DO. In-stead let them learn goal setting by reaching for some-thing they really desire. Start when they are young andcontinuously widen the scope, and before you know ityour child will have a pattern of setting and achievinghis or her goals.

Divide and Conquer.

To manage big tasks, teach your kids to 'divide andconquer'. Have them practice dividing task into man-ageable parts. Make sure they include the required time,resources and the steps needed to accomplish the task.You can guide them in scheduling the steps but let themcreate a schedule they can follow. Your child learning to

organize themselves is significant. Praise them fortheir growth each time they make a reasonable deci-sion. Example, "That makes good sense. Great job!”

Routine and Flexibility.

Children know they have time set aside for the regularactivities in their lives. They get up the same time eachmorning to go to school and go to bed at the same timeeach night. They have a daily time for play, doingschool work and chores, and they begin to learn that aschedule helps them accomplish more. Your child will

benefit from having a consistentroutine but it is also important toteach them flexibility. You know,like when life happens!

Brag time.

Parents guide, encourage, listenand praise. When your childrencomplete a task, allow them toreward themselves. Help themannounce their accomplish-ments because it will affirm thatthey have done good work andwill encourage them to continue.

Here are some brag ideas your child can do:

Read samples to an appreciative listener.Grandparents are always good for listening.

Post finished works on a bulletin board or therefrigerator. To keep the space from gettingcluttered, pick a designated spot for showcasingand remove an item when your child wants todisplay something new.

Check tasks off as they are achieved. Youngerchildren will enjoy getting a smiley face stickertoo.

Send samples via email to friends or relatives.This works great if you have a scanner at home.

Just brag about it: "I did it. I knew I could do it!"

£

£

£

£

BY LINETTE DANIELS

Empowering Youth:

WHEN YOURCHILDREN COM-PLETE A TASK,ALLOW THEMTO REWARD

THEMSELVES.

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN TIME MANAGEMENT

12 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

GYM

GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 13

For advertising opportunities call (615) 887-8809LaJuan Stoxtill-Diggs

www.facebook.com/gridironyouthfootball

Gridiron Youth MagazineMiddle Tennessee’sLeading Youth CommunityFootball Magazine

From the Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Dear Youth Sports Enthusiasts,One thing I know is that parents

love their children and football and

I had a vision of bringing them both

to you in this magazine. The

various youth football communities

in Middle Tennessee are thriving and

I am excited to be a part of this

awesome move!I hope you enjoy reading the

articles, tips and information we've

pulled together for you. I also

welcome your feedback and accept

your suggestions to make the

publication even better.Our mission is to promote youth

football and provide information for

parents, youth and sports officials.LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Which Bowl’s For You?Choosing The Right Post Season Bowl For Your Team.

Battle In Rocky TopNov16-18

The proud city of Knoxville, Tennessee since 2006 has been hometo the largest youth football tournaments in the state of Tennesseeand one of the largest in the entire Country! With brand new"Schumpert Park" now built we are able to take on more teams.ShumpertPark isaminiversionof thealwayspopular JohnTarletonPark (which has five football fields at one venue, not soccer fields,FOOTBALL FIELDS). Shumpert Park will have three full lightedfootball fields outfitted with scoreboards, bleachers and bermudagrass.Weanticipatehostingover300 teamsagain this fall,make sureyoudon'tmiss it!

If you like really well organized, fun & fair events then these are foryou and your team. We do not tolerate any teams cheating, you willbe dismissed from the event w/ no refund and we will go out of ourway to ensure every tournament across north America knows yourbusiness and conduct. We will also contact your league and associa-tion president to let them know your actions. Bottom line, play fair,its a game for kids, win and lose w/ the same amount of class. Weencourage everyone to be good examples for our children as theyarethefuture.

Formore informationvisit:www.leaguelineup.com/battleinrockytop

AnnualChoo-ChooBowlNovember23-24

The 14th Annual Choo-Choo Bowl will take place in Chattanooga,TN from November 23-24. The cost is for this is $200.00 ( $155.00if paid by October 12,2012) which includes: a max of five coaches'passes, one team mom pass, and a two game minimum. We take theteams that apply until we are full. Discount for leagues with multipleteams. Pay early and save money. To enter you must send in ALLPAPERS which include registration form, fee, your league roster,Choo-Choo Bowl roster sheet and hotel info no exceptions. TheDEADLINE is November 16, 2012. For more information visit:www.chattanoogafun.com

SnapperBowl(44thAnnual)November21-24

At the World's Most Beautiful Beaches, Panama City Beach Fl. TheSnapperBowl Classic attracts some of the best teams from all over

the United States. From California, Philadelphia Texas, to Florida.Where only the Best come to Play. The SnapperBowl Classic is aTrue Double Elimination Tournament over a three Day Period tilonlyOneteamremains ineachDivision.ThisThanksgivingClassicoriginated in 1967 by people like you, who enjoyed coaching youthfootball. Hard work by dedicated volunteers past and present havekept this fun filled Thanksgiving youth football classic alive. TheSnapperBowl is back in the spirit it was conceived. TheSnapperBowl committees, officers cordially Invites your eligibleprograms to this Historical Thanksgiving youth football event. Formore informationvisit:www.snapperbowl.com

TurkeyDayClassicNovember23-25

“TheNationalChampionshipof YouthFootball”Looking for REAL youth football competition? You've found it!Turkey Day Classic, the largest youth football tournament in theUnited States, is where only the best compete. In its fifteen plusyears, Turkey Day Classic has seen over 650 teams fight for theesteemed TDC title in three different states. The best youth teamsdeserve to be officiated by top officials, which is why Turkey DayClassic games are administrated by some of the finest in the coun-try, including from the ACC, SWAC, the National Indoor FootballLeague, as well as college and high school football officials fromAlabama,Tennessee,Mississippi,Florida,LouisianaandKentucky.Formore informationvisit:

Mark your calendar for the3rd annual Dunkin' Do-nuts/Baskin-Robbins FamilyDay on Sunday, November 11in Nashville! Join us for liveentertainment, an indoorcarnival and interactiveSports Arena including In-flatable Basketball, Football,Soccer, and T-Ball Games,Bungees, Photo Booth,Games, and more. Decorate

your own Dunkin' Donut and createyour own Baskin-Robbins Sundae!Make a Card for cancer patients!

Tickets are $50 for a Family of Four.Individual tickets are only $15 or for$150 your family (4 people) can joinour family for the “Our Family” VIPReception prior to doors opening tomeet our Family Day performers!

www.turkeydayclassic.net

Events

Featuring Coco Jones, 14-year-old Disney star of

.

LetIt Shine, So Random!,

Good Luck Charlie, andRadio Disney

14 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

Like us onFacebook

For advertising opportunities call (615) 887-8809LaJuan Stoxtill-Diggs

www.facebook.com/gridironyouthfootball

Gridiron Youth MagazineMiddle Tennessee’sLeading Youth CommunityFootball Magazine

From the Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Dear Youth Sports Enthusiasts,One thing I know is that parents

love their children and football and

I had a vision of bringing them both

to you in this magazine. The

various youth football communities

in Middle Tennessee are thriving and

I am excited to be a part of this

awesome move!I hope you enjoy reading the

articles, tips and information we've

pulled together for you. I also

welcome your feedback and accept

your suggestions to make the

publication even better.Our mission is to promote youth

football and provide information for

parents, youth and sports officials.LaJuan Stoxstill-Diggs

Which Bowl’s For You?Choosing The Right Post Season Bowl For Your Team.

Battle In Rocky TopNov16-18

The proud city of Knoxville, Tennessee since 2006 has been hometo the largest youth football tournaments in the state of Tennesseeand one of the largest in the entire Country! With brand new"Schumpert Park" now built we are able to take on more teams.ShumpertPark isaminiversionof thealwayspopular JohnTarletonPark (which has five football fields at one venue, not soccer fields,FOOTBALL FIELDS). Shumpert Park will have three full lightedfootball fields outfitted with scoreboards, bleachers and bermudagrass.Weanticipatehostingover300 teamsagain this fall,make sureyoudon'tmiss it!

If you like really well organized, fun & fair events then these are foryou and your team. We do not tolerate any teams cheating, you willbe dismissed from the event w/ no refund and we will go out of ourway to ensure every tournament across north America knows yourbusiness and conduct. We will also contact your league and associa-tion president to let them know your actions. Bottom line, play fair,its a game for kids, win and lose w/ the same amount of class. Weencourage everyone to be good examples for our children as theyarethefuture.

Formore informationvisit:www.leaguelineup.com/battleinrockytop

AnnualChoo-ChooBowlNovember23-24

The 14th Annual Choo-Choo Bowl will take place in Chattanooga,TN from November 23-24. The cost is for this is $200.00 ( $155.00if paid by October 12,2012) which includes: a max of five coaches'passes, one team mom pass, and a two game minimum. We take theteams that apply until we are full. Discount for leagues with multipleteams. Pay early and save money. To enter you must send in ALLPAPERS which include registration form, fee, your league roster,Choo-Choo Bowl roster sheet and hotel info no exceptions. TheDEADLINE is November 16, 2012. For more information visit:www.chattanoogafun.com

SnapperBowl(44thAnnual)November21-24

At the World's Most Beautiful Beaches, Panama City Beach Fl. TheSnapperBowl Classic attracts some of the best teams from all over

the United States. From California, Philadelphia Texas, to Florida.Where only the Best come to Play. The SnapperBowl Classic is aTrue Double Elimination Tournament over a three Day Period tilonlyOneteamremains ineachDivision.ThisThanksgivingClassicoriginated in 1967 by people like you, who enjoyed coaching youthfootball. Hard work by dedicated volunteers past and present havekept this fun filled Thanksgiving youth football classic alive. TheSnapperBowl is back in the spirit it was conceived. TheSnapperBowl committees, officers cordially Invites your eligibleprograms to this Historical Thanksgiving youth football event. Formore informationvisit:www.snapperbowl.com

TurkeyDayClassicNovember23-25

“TheNationalChampionshipof YouthFootball”Looking for REAL youth football competition? You've found it!Turkey Day Classic, the largest youth football tournament in theUnited States, is where only the best compete. In its fifteen plusyears, Turkey Day Classic has seen over 650 teams fight for theesteemed TDC title in three different states. The best youth teamsdeserve to be officiated by top officials, which is why Turkey DayClassic games are administrated by some of the finest in the coun-try, including from the ACC, SWAC, the National Indoor FootballLeague, as well as college and high school football officials fromAlabama,Tennessee,Mississippi,Florida,LouisianaandKentucky.Formore informationvisit:

Mark your calendar for the3rd annual Dunkin' Do-nuts/Baskin-Robbins FamilyDay on Sunday, November 11in Nashville! Join us for liveentertainment, an indoorcarnival and interactiveSports Arena including In-flatable Basketball, Football,Soccer, and T-Ball Games,Bungees, Photo Booth,Games, and more. Decorate

your own Dunkin' Donut and createyour own Baskin-Robbins Sundae!Make a Card for cancer patients!

Tickets are $50 for a Family of Four.Individual tickets are only $15 or for$150 your family (4 people) can joinour family for the “Our Family” VIPReception prior to doors opening tomeet our Family Day performers!

www.turkeydayclassic.net

Events

Featuring Coco Jones, 14-year-old Disney star of

.

LetIt Shine, So Random!,

Good Luck Charlie, andRadio Disney

14 GRIDIRON YOUTH MAGAZINE Fall 2012 www.facebook.com/gridironyouthmagazine

GYM

Like us onFacebook