DN football learning ground

JV squad off to a great 2011

Members of the Del Norte Warrior junior varsity football team celebrate after defeating Hidden Valley, Ore., 41-0, last Friday in Crescent City.The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Last Friday, the Warriors proved they were a totally different team in 2011, downing Hidden Valley 41-0 in Crescent City in the season opener.

This included the defense holding the Mustangs to under 100 total yards of offense.

“The kids have matured and are playing team football,” Parrott said. “They have really worked hard in the offseason and are committed.”

This includes taking part in  summer weightlifting training and taking part in two football camps in Gold Beach, Ore., and McKinleyville, along with the varsity team.

“We’re doing pretty good,” Warrior player Eric Turner said. “We’re becoming a team.”

While it takes a lot of effort to prepare for games, Turner said it’s certainly worth it.

“Everyone loves it,” on the team he said. “I know I do. It’s tough, hard work but mostly it’s a lot of fun.”

Adrian Henderson of the Del Norte Warrior junior varsity football team runs with the ball during a Friday night game against Hidden Valley, Ore. On Saturday Del Norte faces Ferndale on the road starting at 11:30 a.m. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

While wins are nice, Parrott  said the main goal of the squad is to teach these freshmen and sophomores the system the varsity team runs.

“Our goal is to get as many student athletes as possible prepared for varsity,” he said.

Parrott said that the team is quite  talented this year and believes a fair number could be moved  to varsity by the end of the season. Already, three sophomores are playing on the varsity team.

“We work well together,” said  Chris Puente, who plays on the  offensive and defensive line.

He said that many members of the team have played together for quite some time, which has helped on the field.

While he has enjoyed his time with the JV team, ultimately, he would love to play for the varsity team and hopes his number is called this season.

“That would mean I’ve been doing my job,” Puente said.

A strength, as is the case with the varsity team, is on the offensive and defensive line, Parrot said.

They have shown great ability on offense to open up holes and on defense to stuff the run. The running game also has looked dominant, as well as the passing game. And the defense has made great strides from last season and opened the year very strong.

Parrott, a longtime JV assistant, commended his coaching staff for keeping the kids on track and for their valuable experience and help.

“We all get along and bounce ideas off each other,” he said.  “We have a great coaching staff.”

On Saturday, Del Norte faces Ferndale on the road. The contest begins at 11:30 a.m.