Portland Oregon newspaper 2002 archives




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		Fall, football, American and Mid-county traditions

		Mid-county church modernizes –

		The East Portland Neighborhood System

		Adventist hospital seeks new plan

		Youth football thives in Parkrose


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Youth football thrives in Parkrose

Parkrose running back stiff-arms a Gresham defender on the way to a long gain.

Parkrose quarterback Andy Fuller barks out the cadence for the offense.

Coach Nick Rossi instructs defensive lineman. Tim Lycett (72).

Photos by Tim Curran

The Parkrose fifth and sixth grade football team, 2001 league champions, is part of the Police Activities League (PAL), independent of Parkrose schools. The fifth and sixth grade team had 43 players come out this year. Their season is nine games, not counting league playoffs.

Assistant coach Joe Rossi, who is coming back after a layoff of eight years, started the fifth and sixth grade football program for Parkrose youth fifteen years ago. Rossi, along with brother Nick, and head coach Jim Caudel, are having a great time coaching these kids. “They’re great kids,” said defensive coach Nick Rossi. “They’re having fun and so am I. I really enjoy this.” There is also a seventh and eighth grade football program administered through Parkrose Middle School.

A portion of the money raised from the 2002 Rossi Barn Dance went to the fifth and sixth grade Parkrose football program this year enabling them to be re-equipped with new helmets, new pads and the donated money also keep the player fees reasonable. The cost for each player to participate is $35. When comparing the player cost ($145) for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), it’s a real good deal.

Parkrose plays not only other mid-county school teams (Reynolds, Gresham, and Troutdale,), but because they play under the auspices of the PAL, they also compete against Portland area teams from the Grant, Jefferson and Madison neighborhoods. After lean years, football in Parkrose has a bright future. In a few years, look for these players at a high school near you.

3:
Michael Peacock (2) tackles Gresham running back as teammate Joe Caudel (77) closes in. Parkrose lost this first game of the year, 21 -7. Parkrose played at the new Walt Morey Middle School in Troutdale.