Full Contact, No Pads: Part IV

I made another visit up to Natomas High School where the Gridiron Gang calls home. This time, with a light. While a few of the weekend warriors were taking a break from the action, I got to work and shot some portraits. Didn't get a chance to get everybody, but I'll be back. Of course, I had to get some shots of the armor-less action. I still think they're crazy for playing tackle with no cushion, but even the experts say the game could be safer without helmets.

Monterey Trail Mustangs vs. Grant Pacers Football

As we creep towards the end of the year, the days get shorter and shorter. The weekly Friday football events that I often attend and which once gave me at least of quarter of dusk, has truly become a night time activity. Even when photons are at a premium, I refuse to flash with on camera devices...a la Terry Richardson. The Mustangs were once again in action at the Mark Macres Memorial Stadium, deep in the heart of bustling Elk Grove, California. They played the Pacers of Grant High School and suffered a 14-7 loss. I was there.

Inderkum @ Laguna Creek Jr. Football

12 hours. 6 football games. It was a pretty long day to say the least. Bottles of water and Gatorade kept me sane and Tony Kornheiser kept me company. Tiny Mites, Mighty Mites, Junior Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Junior Midget, and Midget are the names of the 6 divisions with kids ranging in age from 6-13 years old. As the day went on, the players got bigger, faster, stronger and more skilled. It was like watching a sped up version of the evolution of football.

Tuesday Bruise Day

Tuesday is just early enough in the week to get in a good hard day of practice before having to go all out on Friday night. The Mustangs run through a rigorous series of drills, honing the simple principles of football: blocking and tackling. You throw in some agility work outs and a little bit of game instruction, and Tuesday night might bring a really early bedtime. Unless, of course, you have a bunch of homework to do. Ha...teenagers.

Monterey Trail @ Pioneer Football

Just another Friday night. After a 17-14 loss to Antelope in the opening game of the season, the Monterey Trail Mustangs have been on fire. I was a little worried when the Pioneer Patriots came out wearing "all black everything" including the matte black helmets. As Neon Deion says, "You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good. You play good, they pay good." Let's just say the Patriots didn't get paid at all. Shout out to the Mustangs for the 28-3 victory and rolling to this 4-1 start.

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