One of the biggest keys to having a successful varsity football program is to have a well-established and smoothly operating youth program that is attracting high numbers of players.
That appears to be the current situation at Perry, as the Bluejays are competed in grades 3-6 as part of the Iowa Developmental Youth Football League. This is Perry’s fourth year in the league, which includes ADM, DC-G, Carroll, Johnston, Norwalk and Waukee NW.
The current seventh grade team is the original group of local youth who began play in the learning league. At one time only 27 youngsters were involved, but that number has ballooned to 127.
Former Perry varsity head coach Matt Hardy helms the local program with long list of dedicated volunteer coaches involved.
The focus of the league is learning basic fundamentals and safe play. There are a series of restrictions at each level to include equipment worn (the younger teams play flag football), formations allowed, play call restrictions and field size, all designed to slowly introduce youth to the game.
The season began last Sunday. Perry was a 36-8 winner in grade 3 against Waukee NW 8 at Norwalk, with the Perry grade 4 squad dropping a 22-14 decision to Johnston 3 at DC-G. Perry and Norwalk 2 played to a 14-14 tie at Johnston in the fifth grade contest, with host Carroll 1 claiming a 20-12 win over Perry in grade 6 action.
Dewey Field will host all four grades of games Sunday. Grade three played Johnston 3 at 10 a.m. with grade four facing Waukee 5 at 10 a.m. (the field is split and shortened for the younger grades.) The Perry fifth grade plays Johnston 3 at 11:15 a.m. with the grade six game at 12:30 p.m. to feature Perry against Waukee NW 2.
There is no admission to any of the games. A full concession stand will be operating.
