Malta youngsters wrap up flag football season

A total of 74-children – grades three through six -- participated in the flag football program in Malta this season and on Thursday night each of them got a taste of what it is like to play under the lights at Mustang Field as the season reached its conclusion.

Program Commissioner Carter Clausen said that the program in Malta started in the late 90's and the turnout this year was very strong. The season started the first week in September and since then, each Tuesday and Thursday, four 40-minute games have been played.

"We are trying to teach some fundamentals and have some fun," said Commissioner Clausen.

Samme Gibbs, a third grade student, said that she played the positions of center on the night and said she enjoyed it.

"I like hiking the ball," she said. "I think I am good at it because my brother (Spencer) taught me how."

In her game on Thursday night, Samme's team faced off against Spencer's team and Spencer made a nice interception that he returned for a touchdown. Samme said that though she loves her brother she could have lived without that play.

"I wasn't happy," she joked.

Brisbin Reiter, a third grade student, played quarterback, running back and linebacker during the night's games. He said of the three positions that, definitely, running back was his favorite.

"I don't know why I like it," he said. "I guess I just like to run the ball."

Brisbin said that his team played well and that he enjoyed every aspect of the game and the season.

Tye Jones, a fourth grade student, said the favorite part of the game he played was when his teammate, Hunter Stolem, scored a touchdown.

"I just took the ball and ran to the end zone," Hunter added.

Addy Anderson, fourth grade, said she had fun during the night and said she especially enjoyed playing defense. She said that her strategy in flag football is to completely rip her opponent's belt off and that her favorite position is running back, though football isn't her favorite sport.

"I like basketball because it is fun," she said.

Addy's little sister, third grader Elly, said she is a better football player than her sister because she is faster.

"I like running back because you can have the ball and make a touchdown," she said.

Tye said the best part of the season was going undefeated (though, officially, no scores are kept.) Tye played running back and wide receiver on the night and added that running back was his favorite.

Each of the young athletes on the night admitted that the temperature on the night was a bit lower than they would have liked, but all agreed that chill wouldn't stop them from eating their post-game Dilly Bars.

"I can handle a Dilly Bar easily," Brisbin said.

Commissioner Clausen said that he wanted to thanks all the volunteer coaches and parents who came out all year long to ensure the season was a success.