AIR IT OUT: COMPETITION SOARS IN AIR-IT-OUT TOURNEY.Byline: Gerry Gittelson Daily News Staff Writer Ernie Figueroa, a Canyon High receiver during Canyon's dynasty in the late '80s, does not get many chances to revisit the past. But he had his shot Saturday at the NFL NFL abbr. National Football League NFL (US) n abbr (= National Football League) → Fußball-Nationalliga flag-football Air-It-Out tournament in Balboa Park Balboa Park is the name of several municipal parks, including the following:
Figueroa and four ex-teammates participated in the elite Top Gun division, hoping to make today's playoffs, then perhaps qualify for the National Finals in Orlando. And then - just maybe - a chance to play a team of current NFL players on national television. Figueroa and company - they called themselves the Cowboys in honor of their alma mater - were one of 600 teams - some serious, some purely recreational - enjoying the annual competition. ``I'm reliving my high school days,'' said Figueroa, 28. ``Plus, we're having a lot of fun.'' Bill Silver was one of the spectators watching the Cowboys try to win their second straight four-on-four game. His son, Bill Jr., was the quarterback. ``I have always supported my son,'' Silver said. ``I encourage him whenever I can, even though I would have preferred him going to college instead of being a country-western musician. I've never missed a game, just like when he played for Canyon.'' Organizer Chuck Price said the event was success. ``I think overall the physical setup and the officiating are better than ever,'' he said. ``Of course it would have been nicer to get some warmer weather. That would have brought more spectators out.'' Top Gun team Football Network, featuring former Canadian Football League Canadian Football League (CFL) Major Canadian professional gridiron football organization, formed in 1958. The league's Western Conference includes teams from Edmonton, Calgary, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg; its Eastern Conference comprises teams from veteran Rick Johnson Rick Johnson may refer to:
Herb Doyan Welch (born January 12, 1961 in Los Angeles, California) was an American football defensive back who played six seasons in the NFL. He started in Super Bowl XXI for the New York Giants. Welch played college football for UCLA. looked strong. But despite his team's credentials, Welch was only out to have some fun. ``A lot of teams take this too seriously and practice all year,'' he said. ``Then they start stressing out. We're just a few friends who got together to play some football.'' Most of the best local prep football teams were represented. Kevin McCleary, 14, and Ramal ramal /ra·mal/ (ra´m'l) pertaining to a ramus. ra·mal adj. Of or relating to a ramus. ramal pertaining to a ramus. Porter, 15, both played for Birmingham High's junior varsity team For the American rock band, see . In sports, usually at the high school and college levels, members of a team who are not the main players in a competition (such as a football or basketball game) are called junior varsity players. last fall. They formed the Patriots with an eye toward the future. ``By coming out here and working out, it keeps us in shape,'' McCleary said. ``We can learn to throw and catch better - that will increase our skills,'' Porter said. Arie Justin, a 9-year-old blossoming running back from Culver City Culver City, city (1990 pop. 38,793), Los Angeles co., S Calif., a residential suburb of Los Angeles; inc. 1917. It is a center of the U.S. motion-picture industry, whose roots in the city date to c.1915. Its chief manufactures are rubber products and computers. , used the Air-It-Out tournament as another step in his football development. His father is ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tyrone Justin. ``This tournament is a great motivation for kids,'' the elder Justin said. ``My son has scored 20 touchdown in 10 flag-football games for his Culver City league. He missed the first game today because he was playing in the championship game there.'' Some teams came from far away, including Top Gun entry the Playmakers Playmakers is a TV series on ESPN that depicted the lives of the players on a fictional professional football team. The show starred Omar Gooding, Marcello Thedford, Christopher Wiehl, Jason Matthew Smith, Russell Hornsby and Tony Denison. , led by quarterback Bill Lamontagne, formerly of Rubidoux High. ``We came all the way out here because we're trying to win this thing,'' Lamontagne said. ``I had a blast, and we won two games to qualify for the championship round.'' Brian Clarkson, a junior from Harvard-Westlake High, won a special prep quarterback challenge, which combined throwing accuracy, distance, foot speed, and agility. Clarkson's longest throw was 60 yards. Adam Johnson (Chino Chino (chē`nō), city (1990 pop. 59,682), San Bernardino co., S Calif.; founded 1887, inc. 1910. It is the business and processing center of a diversified farming (notably dairying) area. Etiwanda High) placed second and Dan Cordona (Glendora High) third. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Players in the Top Gun division go for a pass in the Air-It-Out tournament at Balboa Park. David Crane/Daily News |
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