"Bring It On!" Bark the Ramona Dawg Pack
By Tracy Rolling

Ramona Pop Warner team plays at Qualcomm Stadium.

Last month kicked off the beginning of Ramona Pop Warner's 29th season as local boys and girls flooded the practice fields in anticipation of numerous victories.

Board President Ben Narramore said this season is all about family, fun, safety and offering the kids an unforgettable football experience.

It didn't take long for the fun to begin: On Aug. 12, the San Diego Chargers invited the Ramona Pee Wee Football team, better known as the Dawg Pack, to open their pre-season by playing a 10-minute scrimmage on the field at Qualcomm Stadium.

Other pre-game activities included the Chargers presenting $10,000 to the Palomar Conference and $15,000 to the Challenger League.

The Challenger League is comprised of boys and girls with various disabilities between the ages of 5 and 15. Participants get to play with a "buddy" who assists them and everyone gets a chance to play.

Palomar Conference is only the second league in the nation to offer such a program and with the support of the San Diego Chargers, participants will not have to pay for this inaugural season.

Photos by John Jones

In addition to the scrimmage, and just prior to the Chargers taking on the Seattle Seahawks, the Ramona team was invited to run through the Charger tunnel and stand beside the Charger Girls as the pro players were announced and enthusiastically pounced onto the field.

Pee Wee Head Coach Craig Barnat said: "The kids were so excited. This is one experience they'll never forget." Barnat also said that participants and their families received tickets to the game and were treated to a special barbecue.

Narramore says that the season is sure to hold many more incredible experiences.

Ramona Pop Warner's annual "Walk-A-Thon" on Aug. 18 allowed football and cheer teams to take strides in raising money for equipment, uniforms, field usage, electricity and insurance.

In addition to walking the field, participants enjoyed a day of refreshments, games and prizes, followed by a tumbling competition and punt/pass/kick competition. The day was concluded with a pep rally, an awards ceremony and a raffle drawing.

Jr. Pee Wee Cheer Squad shout "Go Dawgs!" as they pose with Head Coach Cathy Gallegos and Assistant Coach Lisa Burger.

In addition to the support of many local businesses and sponsors, Greiner Pontiac, Buick, GMC and All American K.T.M have donated a motorcycle as an end-of-season raffle prize. One lucky winner will take home a 105cc motorcycle during half time at the final game of the Packwood Bowl at Bulldawg Stadium in Ramona.