Pirate Pride rose with the sun during the Northwest Youth Football League Jamboree Saturday, Aug. 23, at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

The long, hot August evenings of rigorous practice and conditioning yielded results as 31 Vashon youth took to the field in good form.

Vashon Pirate Youth Football Head Coach Matt Amundsen unveiled two competitive youth football teams representing the Island this season — the lightweight Bud’s Bombers, named in honor of Vashon High School Coach Bud Snaza, and Vashon Pirate Youth Football Heavies (VPYF Heavies). Assisting Amundsen this year are Pirate coaches Jason Alberthal, Sean Donnelly, Clay Leonard, Manu Samanna Spagnoli, Chet Tillman and Kevin Wickman.

Launching into jamboree competition in 10-by-10 play-alternating scrimmages, the teams met league opponents Eatonville Cruisers, Orting Animals, Lakewood Lumberjacks and Life Christian Eagles.

Familiarly formidable, the four teams did not disappoint in providing the necessary charge to ignite that Pirate fire.

The Pirates showcased bread-and-butter plays that allowed Vashon to size up its various opponents without revealing any game-day play-calling strategy.

The Heavies completed several passes and opened big holes for long runs. Bud’s Bombers wowed the crowd with several touchdowns.

Vashon Pirate Youth Football enters its fifth season this fall. As founding father Paul Wallrof (a.k.a. Coach Wally) led a rousing cheer from the stands, the Pirates summed it up in one word: “Fun!”

The Pirates’ first regular season game is Saturday, Sept. 6, at Woodbrook Middle School in Lakewood.

It’s not too late to join the fun. Those with children interested in youth football should call Marian Easton at 463-2042 for information.

— Mary Ann Kall is a football mom.

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