Wonder City Jaguars building a youth football dynasty

Wonder City Jaguars building a youth football dynasty

Program sees success at home and on the road

sports@theeveningtimes.com

It was a banner season for the Wonder City Jaguars Football program.

The Wonder City Jaguars displayed the fruits of all of their hard work this year, showing their talents all over the Mid-South.

Whether it was playing on their home turf on South 25th Street in West Memphis or on the road, accepting an invitation to the Big Tex National Championship Tournament in Dallas, Texas, the Jaguars have been on a roll.

The 8-and-under team went undefeated in the West Tennessee Youth Football League, winning the Super Bowl at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. They also won the PreGobble Day Classic Tournament at UAPB Stadium in Pine Bluff. For winning this tournament, each player received a championship ring.

The 10-and-under team placed second in the West Tennessee Youth Football League and third in the PreGobble Day Classic.

The 12 and under team applied the best of themselves, placing second in the West Tennessee Youth Football league and were runners-up in the PreGobble Day Classic.

“A huge part of the Jaguars’ program success is due to the dedicated support from Carolyn Anthony of the Wonder City Boys & Girls Club and Billy Joe Hayes of the LR Jackson Youth Activity Center.

Between the two clubs, their programs are helping us keep our youth off the streets,” said Coach Maurice Crawford. “These children faced different challenges this season and together over came adversity. Not only do we teach football, we build character and teach them to put God and family first and by doing that everything else will fall in place.”

Coach Crawford also offered a shout-out to everyone who played a part in the program’s success.

“I would like to personally thank the community of West Memphis, my coaches, staff, parents, cheerleaders and their coaches for helping us make this a great season,” he said. “I would also like to thank all who sponsored and donated to help these young men and young women have a fun and exciting season — the West Memphis School District, the West Memphis Park Commission, Sonny Weems, the Athlete’s NeXus, I AM APART Ministry, Conscious Mind Entertainment, Willis Monday, James Pullium, Marco McClendon, Rita Rogers, Connie Dail, Terrance and Tona Parker.

We truly appreciate all that you do!”

A Times Sports Feature