Boys of the gridiron

Wednesday, Aug 14, 2013 5:01 PM Updated Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013 5:13 PM

‘Sometimes it hurts, but it goes away’

Cassidy Malone practices his tackling technique during the fourth-grade Demons practice at Escalante Middle School. The fourth-grade team will open its season Saturday in Farmington.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Douglas Malcolm, right, shares a light-hearted moment with fourth-grade Durango Demon football teammate Sam Carozza during a water break.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

It’s picture day, and the fourth-grade Demons show off their new uniforms during practice at Escalante Middle School. From left are William Knight, Xavier Chavez, Kooper Mann, Samuel Greco and Bryson Kreeger.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Players on the Durango Demons fourth-grade youth football team practice align themselves on the line of scrimmage.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Head coach Mike Matava congratulates fourth-grade youth football player Alex Sanchez of the Durango Demons after a successful play during the team’s practice at Escalante Middle School.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Douglas Malcolm goes high for a catch during the Durango Demon fourth-graders’ practice at Escalante Middle School.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Early-season practice means working on the basics. Emmet Thompson prepares to receive a handoff from quarterback Douglas Malcolm as the Demons, a fourth-grade youth football team, work out at Escalante Middle School.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Alex Sanchez gets a little help from teammates, including Chris Smith, right, as the Demons try on their new uniforms.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Ean Goodwin of the Demons, a fourth grade youth football team, takes a break from the team’s practice at Escalante Middle School as a teammate rests his arm on his helmet.

SHAUN STANLEY/Durango Herald

Players on the Demons, fourth grade youth football team align themselves on the line of scrimmage by reaching our their arms during the team's practice at Escalante Middle School. The team will have their first game of the season in Farmington this coming Saturday. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald

Cassidy Malone practices his tackling technique during the Demons practice at Escalante Middle School. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald

The Demons, a fourth-grade youth football team proudly shows off their new uniforms on picture day during the team’s practice at Escalante Middle School. From the left is William Knight, Xavier Chavez, Kooper Mann, Samuel Greco and Bryson Kreeger. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald

Douglas Malcolm, quarterback for the fourth-grade youth football team, the Demons, goes high to catch the ball during a practice at Escalante Middle School. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald

The Demons, a fourth grade youth football team’s head coach Mike Matava congratulates Alex Sanchez after a successful play during the team’s practice at Escalante Middle School. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.

Emmet Thompson prepares to receive a handoff from quarterback Douglas Malcolm as the Demons, a fourth grade youth football team, practice at Escalante Middle School. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.

Alex Sanchez gets a little help from teammates including Chris Smith, left, as the Demons get new uniforms during a recent practice at Escalante Middle School. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.

Douglas Malcolm, right, shares a funny moment with teammate Sam Carozza during a water break during practice of their team, the Demons, a fourth-grade youth football team. Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.

Ean Goodwin pasues on the sidelines during a break in practice of his team, the Demons, the fourth-grade youth football team from Durango. Photo by Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald.

One goal, one family, one team, we are one,” chant the fourth-grade boys of the Durango Demons youth football team as they end a recent practice at Escalante Middle School field.

If there’s a sure sign of school starting and fall not far off, it’s that of youths taking to local fields for preseason practice, be it soccer or football.

“We teach a lot of discipline,” says head coach Mike Matava. “For me, it’s life skills we teach. It’s not just football skills; it’s all about having respect for other people that you’re playing against, have respect for your parents and teachers.”

The Demon fourth-graders are among the 120 Durango-area youngsters playing in the Southwest Colorado Youth Football Association. Levels run from second-graders to sixth-graders.

As nervous coaches, parents and players are well aware, this season kicks off Saturday for teams in Durango, Bayfield, Ignacio, Cortez, Pagosa Springs and New Mexico.

A big transition occurs between the third- and fourth-grade levels. Fourth grade is the first level and there are no coaches on the field during play.

“They get to do it all by themselves,” Matava says. “It turns it more into their game.”

Bubba Matava, a coach who also serves as president of Southwest Colorado Youth Football Association, says players learn quickly as they rise through the grade levels.

“They get it. They understand the hitting and the ouches and owies, and that sometimes it hurts, but it goes away,” says Bubba Matava, the son of Mike Matava. “I love teaching these kids the respect of the game and the discipline and honor that it takes to play this game.”

Shaun Stanley, Herald Staff Writer