Local youth football teams collect championships, runner-up finishes

ByRobert Stevens

Youth football teams from Manti and Ephraim recently wrapped up successful fall seasons, with Manti's fifth-grade Jr. Templars completing an undefeated championship run and three Ephraim flag football teams earning first- or second-place finishes.

Manti’s fifth-grade Jr. Templars completed an undefeated season and claimed the North Division championship. Photo submitted by Kelsey Parry.
Manti’s fifth-grade Jr. Templars completed an undefeated season and claimed the North Division championship. Photo submitted by Kelsey Parry.

Manti's fifth-grade Jr. Templars claimed the North Division championship after defeating North Sanpete 41-6 in their final game. The victory completed an undefeated season in which the team outscored its opponents by a combined 181-12.

The team received recognition during a halftime announcement Oct. 1. Head Coach Austin Crapo led the Jr. Templars with assistance from coaches Devin Shakespear, Matt Gardner and Matt Schneider.

Meanwhile, Ephraim City Recreation teams collected three top-two finishes in their fall flag football leagues, which ran from Sept. 9 through Oct. 7.

The Ephraim Vikings captured the second- and third-grade flag football championship. Courtesy photo.
The Ephraim Vikings captured the second- and third-grade flag football championship. Courtesy photo.

The Ephraim Vikings, coached by Michael Shreeve, captured the second- and third-grade championship. The Ephraim Broncos, led by Head Coach Rob Anderson, finished second in the same division.

The second- and third-grade league included five teams from Ephraim and Manti.

The Ephraim Broncos finished second in the fall second- and third-grade flag football league. Courtesy photo.
The Ephraim Broncos finished second in the fall second- and third-grade flag football league. Courtesy photo.

In the fourth- and fifth-grade division, the Ephraim Lions earned a second-place finish under coaches David Allred and Kayden Clark. Their division included 10 teams from Ephraim, Manti, Gunnison and Salina.

Both age divisions concluded with single-elimination playoffs following the regular season. Championship games took place Oct. 7.

The Ephraim Lions earned second place in a 10-team fourth- and fifth-grade flag football league. Courtesy photo.
The Ephraim Lions earned second place in a 10-team fourth- and fifth-grade flag football league. Courtesy photo.

Ephraim Recreation Director Jordan Howe praised the young athletes and the community members who volunteered their time to coach.

"I'm very impressed with the athletes that our flag football teams have produced and I'm super grateful for the amazing volunteer coaches who made this season a success," Howe said.