Southern JoCo’s Cooper Comfort (#7) climbs the ladder to try to reel in a long pass between Holy Southern’s Johnny Brulez (#17) and Leo Rucker (#18). Despite Comfort’s efforts, he could not come up with the reception. In a match up of sixth grade teams, Holy Southern came out on top 27-13. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
On any given Saturday in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, hundreds of young men can be found strapping on shoulder pads and lacing up cleats in preparation for a game of tackle football sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties.
Holy Southern’s Gabriel Harper’s (#30) eyes shift downfield as he makes it past the first wave of Southern JoCo defenders. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
The organization makes it possible for young athletes like these to learn the fundamentals of football and good sportsmanship in a Christ-filled environment.
Southern JoCo’s Jackson Ostendorf (#4) finds no room to run as he meets a wall of Holy Southern defenders led by Leo Rucker (#18), Jack Frausto (#11), Joaquin Paredes (#16) and Nathan Sharbaugh (#20). LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
On Sept. 30, Leaven photographer Jay Soldner captured the action of two games played on the football field of St. James Academy in Lenexa.
Holy Southern’s Marcus Brown (#42) tries for an extra point out of the hold of Noah Neugebauer (#50). The extra point was no good, but not needed as Holy Southern prevailed in the end. LEAVEN PHOTO BY JAY SOLDNER
To view the full album from these games, click here.
