Falcons Team 83 ready to take the field

After a busy preseason filled with workouts and tough practices, the Streamwood Falcons youngest tackle team kicks off its 2013 season on Saturday.

Coach Regan Earl, who first gathered the team for weekly fundamental skills training in April, has put Falcons 83 through four weeks of preparation for game action – and is pleased with how his group of 7- to 9-year-olds players has responded.

“They showed dedication during spring conditioning, endurance through a scorching summer camp and have given their all through 30 hours of practices since the end of July,” Earl said.

The team tested their game readiness at the Aug. 17 Lilac Bowl in Lombard, where the Falcons scrimmaged against squads from Darien and Bartlett. The regular season begins on the Falcons’ home turf – Rice Field at Aquarius Park – Saturday against Elk Grove. Game time is scheduled for 11 a.m. The nine-game season runs through the end of October.

Earl – and assistant coaches Vince Durante, Shane Cameron, Kevin Meade and Vaidas Petreikis – is eager to see what the boys can do.

“I’m excited to see how all the kids’ hard work pays off for them,” Earl, who led Streamwood’s two flag teams to a combined 20-5-1 record in 2012. “It’s going to be fun.”

Here are the members of the 2013 Falcons 83 team: Miller Meinicke, Carlos Avila, Ricky Delgado, Alex Calo, Jose Martinez, Kyle Faro, Noah Taritas, Zackary Meade, Isaiah Gomez, Aydn Avina, Giovanny Garcia, Nick Durante, Joseph Kidd, Anthony Tovar, Brett Phillips, Davidas Petreikis, Dashawn Townsend, Oscar Villalpando, Elijah Earl, Avant Winters, Ryne Campana and Taro Ishikawa.