Gowanda youth are ready for some football

The Gowanda Youth Football is ready for season number two with the OATKA League.

After a very successful first season, the Gowanda Youth Panthers are working hard to pick up where they left off last year. And, for the Varsity Panthers that will be getting back to the championship game and completing some unfinished business.

With one season under their belt, coaches have a much better understanding of the league and the talent it possesses. Gowanda proved to be formidable opposition and will have OATKA teams circling Gowanda on the schedule.

The Gowanda Panthers Youth Football and Cheerleading teams would like everyone to join them for the second Annual Pep Rally at Hillis Field Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. There will be pizza and drinks available. But more importantly, everyone can meet the kids as they are announced by team and squad.

The home games are as follows:

2012 HOME (HILLIS FIELD) Schedule

Aug. 24- Pep Rally at 7 p.m.

Sept. 1- West Seneca West (starting at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.)

Sept. 15 – Lakeshore (starting at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.)

Sept. 29- North Cheektowaga (starting at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.)

Oct. 13 – Elma/ Marilla (starting at noon, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.)

Oct. 26- Tentative Pee Wee move-up game at 7 p.m.

Football Divisions:

Varsity (160 pounds, 12-14-year-olds)

Head Coach: Bryan Brawdy; Assistant Coaches: Rich Mentley, Dave Mercado, Martie Hastie, Bob Pawlak, and Zak Degenfelder

Junior Varsity (130 pounds, 10-11-year-olds)

Head Coach: Nick Gernatt; Assistant Coaches: Bryan Mentley, Larry Wheeler, Peter Sisti, Sean Christopher, Brian Weinaug, and Tom Ring

Freshman (110 pounds, 9-10-year-olds)

Head Coach: Matt Tadt; Assistant Coaches: Randy Browning, Bergal Mitchell, Jim Phillips, Jamie Fort, Nate Gernatt, and Ron Barlow

Pee Wee (90 pounds; 6-7-year-olds)

Head Coach: Bob Browning; Assistant Coaches: Jeff Clark, Joe Shull, Ben Shiel, Larry Kiszczak, Harry Kaus, and Jay Ondus.

Cheerleading Divisions:

Varsity:

Head Coach: Marcie Leatherbarrel; Assistant Coaches: Candy Phillips and Erin Whalen; Junior: Adrian Galloway, Casey Harrison, and Melissa Farley

Junior Varsity:

Head Coach: Katie Pawlak; Assistant Coaches: Karrie Williams, Heather Zynda, and Tara Brawdy; Junior: Delaney VanWey

Freshman:

Head Coach: Michelle Valone; Assistant Coaches: Mary Stratton, Jessica Fort, and Jen Gernatt; Junior: Vanessa Vassalo, and Katie Macakanja

Pee Wee:

Head Coach: Kristi Hastie; Assistant Coaches: Tanya Ritcher and Allie Hostetter; Junior: Hope Ritcher and Breanna Hall

Mascots:

Head Coach: Jennifer Gernatt; Assistant Coaches: Jessica Fort and Allie Hostetter; Junior: Haley Galloway