PEA RIDGE — The northwest Arkansas youth football league developed in 1992 and the Pea Ridge Blackhawks joining in 1993. For the first time in 17 years, all three teams - 4th-, 5th- and 6th-grade youth teams are tied for first place or are in first place at the top leading the pack alone dominating the competition.

The league consist of 10 teams from northwest Arkansas - Pea Ridge, Shiloh Christian, Farmington, Prairie Grove, Siloam Springs, Lincoln, Gentry, West Fork, Greenland and Elkins. The league is the most competitive league in state.

The second- and third grade league has been succsessful. The coaches from sixth grade all the way down to second- and third- grade have done well teaching football along with being great role models teaching how to be strong in football and life.

The sixth grade is coached by Johny Johnson, Brian Wright, Brack Caudle and Robbie Johlnson. Theiroverall record in three years of play is 25-1. They have outscored competition by an average of over 32 points per game.

The fifth grade is coached by Dickie Winn, Mark Sheppard, Vernon Leach Jr., Chris Holtgrew, Shane Willis and John Sainsbury. This team has size and great linemen along with speed. Their passing game has averaged just over 220 yards passing per game since this group was in the fourth grade.

The fourth grade is led by Daniel Nesbitt, Jeremy Anderson, Scott Webber and William Coon.

The teams are scheduled to play in Elkins Saturday.

Records this year are: 6th grade, 5-1, tied for first place; 5th grade, 4- 0 -1, they had a double over time tie with Shiloh Christian and are expected to end in first place or in a tie with Shiloh; and 4th grade, 4-1, tied for first with Siloam Springs.

Pea Ridge High School coach Tony Travis has been attending the youth practices and getting involved and having his coaching staff and players at the youth practices.

Sports, Pages 9 on 10/13/2010