G-Force Titans Gather to Celebrate

Grand Terrace’s Rollins Park was the scene of the G-Force Flag Football Championship games on Saturday, June 9. The Grand Terrace Jr. All American Football and Cheer program consists of boys and girls in the local community ages 5 to 14, and according to the organization’s website, desires “to ensure that all youth ages 5–14 in the community have the opportunity to participate in organized youth football and cheer. The objective for all involved is not only to have fun learning the game of football and the spirit of cheer, but to also build their character and self-esteem by practicing Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Respect, Pride, and Academic Excellence.” The program is now in its second season, with over 95 kids and counting, and all three G-Force divisions were present for the playoff games. The league’s divisions are broken down by age: Minis are children aged 5–7; Rookies are those aged 8–10; and the Pro Division hosts those aged 11–13. The day was filled with parents cheering on their children, coaches giving their players celebratory embraces and players playing their hearts out in hopes of becoming kings and queens of the hill. In the Mini Division, the Cowboys and Lions met in the championship game, with Mini Cowboys head coach Wendell Fields able to coach his team to a victory. They are now the division’s reigning champions. The Rookie Division’s Redskins and Panthers played for the ‘King of the Hill’ trophy, with the Panthers able to pull off a close win to make them the division’s champions. The match between Pro Division teams Falcons and Lions was a special one, with Falcons Head Coach Desi Lora leading his sons, who are players on his team, to a victory. He personally handed out the individual trophies to his team players. Falcon center player Lonnie Chavez said of Coach Lora, “Desi helped our team get through the season. He taught us how to keep our heads up throughout our frustrations.” Parents and league board members were also on hand throughout the day, working the snack bar and handing out awards. Linda Lora, the league’s Athletic Director who is also the mother of DJ and Michael Lora, who play on the Falcons team, shared how she watched the kids who play in the league develop as players. “We are able to teach kids that come into the program teamwork and responsibility,” said Linda. President Hayward Robinson made it clear to the parents that Saturday was indeed about the children. “Today is about 95 boys and girls who have practiced hard for over eight weeks to become the G-Force ‘King of the Hill’ champions,” said Robinson. The program, created in 2011, exists through fundraising and dedication on behalf of the parents and children. Parents and coaches are already gearing up for next season. Robinson shared that he hopes this program will create endless possibilities for the children. “I wanted options and opportunity for the kids,” he said.