By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
October 24, 2012 

Once again the Della Lamb Saints Football team is proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.

The fourth grade team is undefeated, like last year, and is hoping to head to the 2012 Arkansas State Youth Football Championship in North Little Rock, Ark.

“Their defense is incredible. That’s what’s winning it for us. We’re not letting any one score on us,” said David Barnett, a football parent and former Della Lamb assistant coach.

Della Lamb’s record this year is 7-0. The Saints also won the National Youth Sports Sanctioning Organization 2012 Kick-Off Classic. During the last 24 games, the team has scored 588 points, only allowing opposing teams to score six points.

To stay in optimum shape, the youngsters regularly run up and down the hill at Blue Valley Park.

“We run them a lot,” Barnett said.

In addition to football, the coaches also stress the importance of academics.

Ninety percent of the football team is on the honor roll, Barnett said.

To help the team attend the Arkansas State Youth Football Championship, Della Lamb is seeking donations for travel and lodging expenses. The championship will be held the weekend before Thanksgiving. To make a tax deductible donation, send checks or money orders to Della Lamb Saint Football Class of 2021 Attn. Tony Woods (Athletic Director), 500 Woodland Ave., Kansas City, Mo., 64106. For more information, contact Stephanie Strong at (816) 808-5549 or email strongby4@yahoo.com.

Asked to describe the ongoing success of the team, Barnett said, “It’s tiring. It’s a lot of work, even for us parents, but it’s worth it. It’s a nice ride.”