By STEVE LEE, Times Staff Writer
Published August 23, 2006
LAND O'LAKES - A limited enrollment of 90 high school-age students at a private school could not deter Bob Kamps from organizing a football team.
Lacking enough players, the Academy at the Lakes athletic director opted for a six-man tackle program.
The Wildcats won their inaugural game Friday, 25-15 over Hillsborough Baptist at the central Pasco athletic complex.
Academy at the Lakes hosts Kissimmee Lighthouse Christian Friday at 7:30. The field, also utilized by the Pasco Police Athletic League and Central Pasco United Soccer Association, is located off Central Boulevard near the Land O'Lakes Detention Center.
"It was so exciting," Kamps said of the opener. "The kids have been working so hard at this thing. Everybody put forth such an effort to make it happen."
With no stands at the field, fans sat in lawn chairs or stood at Friday's game. Kamps said more than 150 attended at a cost of $4 for adults, $3 for students, and the take from the gate and concessions totaled about $600.
"We were kind of expecting a little less than that," Kamps said. "It was their first game and we didn't know how many people were going to respond to this."
On the field, the Wildcats could not have responded any better. The fledgling team overcame an 8-0 first-quarter deficit to take a 25-8 lead before a late Hillsborough Baptist touchdown.
Daniel Kwitko had two scoring catches for Academy at the Lakes and teammate Tyler Walker ran for two touchdowns and passed for another. Ross Bradick sparked the defense with three interceptions.
The Wildcats play a 10-game schedule this season, home and away matchups with the two aforementioned schools along with Winter Haven Christian, Kissimmee Hope Christian and Carrollwood Day School. The top four teams square off in Oct. 27-28 playoffs with the winners meeting at the top-ranked team's site Nov. 4 for a state championship.
Kamps and several parents discussed the idea of six-man football last spring and two parents came up with about $25,000 to fund the first season. That money covers equipment and uniforms for 15 players, referees and goal posts for a practice field on campus.
"We decided to try it out," Kamps said. "Essentially we're starting from ground zero.
"For most of these kids, they'd never have an opportunity to play high school football," Kamps continued. "You go to a school that has 2,000 kids with 50 going out for football ... most of the kids at our school wouldn't have an opportunity to play."
The rules are similar to 11-man tackle, Kamps said, only with a few differences. Fifteen yards are needed for a first down; whoever the ball is snapped to cannot run, but must hand off or pass; every offensive player is eligible as a receiver; and on conversions after a touchdown, two points are awarded for a kick, one for a run or pass.
COACHES NEEDED: The Wildcats seek high school coaches for basketball (boys or girls), boys soccer, crew and cheerleading. Contact Kamps at (813) 948-6823.
