“It gives everybody an opportunity to see where they’re at,” said Keith Morris, the league’s executive director.

The regular season for the league of players ages 3-15 begins this Saturday with games in four divisions: Wesley Chapel at Wiregrass; Land O’ Lakes at Dade City; Trinity at Hudson; and New Port Richey at River Ridge.

Eager to continue a winning tradition for Wesley Chapel is director Shawn Calloway, who noted that two Bulls teams made it to PAL Super Bowls last season. However, the junior flyweights lost the championship game to Hudson and the mighty mites came up short in their title game against Trinity.

“We’re looking to build off those PAL Super Bowl runs last year,” Calloway said while watching Wesley Chapel teams in last weekend’s exhibition games.

Luis Rivera, the Wiregrass director, was just as thrilled to see the football players and cheerleaders finally get to take on opposing teams. He cheered loudly on the sidelines, just like the other parents. Pictures and story provided by Steve Lee.