Kids punt, pass and kick their way toward pro game

The grassy field behind the Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada wasn't really the training camp for the Raiders, but about 60 kids were punting, passing and kicking there Saturday for a shot at competing in the Oakland Colosseum. Volunteers from the club and the Carson City Jaycees joined coaches from Pop Warner Football to run the free Punt, Pass and Kick competition.

The kids were run through some warm ups so they could compete safely, coached a bit and given some practice time. Then it was time for one chance apiece at each event.

First up was 11-year-old Lydia Perri of Carson City, whose punt scored 59 feet, 3 inches. Lydia said she doesn't play football herself, so dad Larry Perri had been coaching her for the contest.

But Lydia has been playing AYSO soccer for some five years and considers herself a power kicker. The talent paid off Saturday, with Lydia taking first place in her age group. She'll be among the group of Carson kids going to the sectional competition in Reno. The section winners will travel to Oakland to compete during halftime at a Raiders-San Diego Chargers game.

Zach Tersteege, a gangly Carson City boy, marked his 14th birthday with a 86-foot, 3-inch punt.

Zach also is among the 15 youths who will advance to the sectional competition.

Mark Jacoby, Carson City Jaycees president and Boys & Girls Club assistant executive director, encouraged the competitors about the prospect of advancing to the higher levels. He said he competed as an 11- or 12-year-old boy in Las Vegas and ended up with a trip to a Los Angeles Rams/Cleveland Browns game.

Two more opportunities to enter Punt, Pass and kick are scheduled in Carson city, in late September and Early October, Jacoby said. Call the boys & girls Club at 882-8820 for more information.