MYAL encouraged by early football numbers

Pop Warner practice begins

By: Rudy Brandl
   The Manville Youth Athletic League remains upbeat and positive about the upcoming Pop Warner football season despite some early obstacles and setbacks.
   Struggling with numbers in recent years, the MYAL decided to hold its first Punt, Pass & Kick competition to jump-start the season. Unfortunately, inclement weather forced the postponement of Sunday’s event, which was slated to take place the night before the start of official practice sessions Monday. The MYAL plans to run the Punt, Pass & Kick event next Sunday at 4 p.m.
   Hoping to spike football enrollment, the MYAL circulated fliers around the borough inviting players to bring friends to test their skills in a friendly competition. They advertised the event hoping to attract more new players to fill the rosters of four teams that will begin competition Aug. 26.
   "We’re just hoping people come out," MYAL President Gregg Snyder said. "We’re still short on numbers for most of the teams."
   MYAL Vice President Kenny Schaefer, who’s also the vice president of the Raritan Valley Conference, felt good about the program’s chances to put four teams on the field. The numbers aren’t quite there yet, but new players are still welcome to sign up.
   Schaefer reported Monday night that the Flag Mavericks are in good shape with 16 players, while the Junior Pee Wee Ponies (14) and Pee Wee Pintos (15) and Midget Colts (14) are very close to having enough players. Cheerleading numbers are also up with 19 Colts, 17 Ponies and 12 Flag for a combined total of 48 girls.
   "Flag (football) is never a problem; we always have enough kids," Schaefer said. "We still need more kids for the other teams, but I’m more confident this year than last year. I’m seeing a lot more new faces than old faces this year. That’s a good sign."
   Monday night’s first night of practice produced encouraging results. Schaefer said it was the best overall turnout on opening night in at least four years.
   "It’s awesome, a lot better than last year," Schaefer said. "You really need 16 to play, but you’d like to have between 18 and 20 players on the other three teams (besides Flag)."
   The MYAL eventually could face another challenge in the numbers game. The Raritan Valley Conference has expanded to five levels, adding a Mighty-Mite Division for players ages 7 to 9 weighing between 45 and 90 pounds. Manville will not attempt to field five teams this year, although Schaefer said adding another level will help the entire youth football program in town.
   "We don’t have enough numbers for five teams, but the Mighty-Mites make your Junior Pee Wees and Pee Wees stronger," Schaefer said.
   The RVC is one of the only leagues without the Mighty-Mite level, according to Schaefer. In an effort to attract more towns and better competition, the RVC decided to add another level.
   "A lot of towns don’t want to make the move without the Mighty-Mites," Schaefer said. "We did it to expand the league. A lot of people want the Mighty-Mites. I wish we could have it, but we just don’t have the numbers yet."
   The MYAL is hoping to benefit from the recent success of the Manville High program. MHS head coach Brett Stibitz and his staff are becoming more involved with the youth program. Many of these youngsters attend the games on Friday nights.
   "The stands have been packed for the high school games," Schaefer said. "I think that will definitely help us."
   Stibitz, about to begin his third season at the helm, recently reported that the MHS football numbers are up to over 40 players for the 2007 season. That figure has climbed every season during Stibitz’s tenure as head coach. In order to continue that trend, the MYAL needs to beef up enrollment.
   Last year, the MYAL put three teams on the field — the Mavericks, Ponies and Colts. The early numbers are better this year, so Schaefer is hopeful that all four MYAL teams will be in action when the season begins Aug. 26 at Bound Brook. Within a year or two, there could be a fifth Pop Warner team representing Manville.