NFL Hall of Famers Troy Aikman and Dan Marino and the 49ers’ Colin Kaepernick are among those who have competed in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick program.
Launched in 1961, the program is the nation’s largest grassroots sports skills competition. Santa Clara’s Townsend Field at Buchser Middle School hosted a regional 49ers team competition on Dec. 20, hosting boys and girls in five age divisions (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) from California, Nevada and Utah.
Each participant launched one punt, one pass and one kick, with scores based on distance and accuracy. The top scorer in each division was eligible for the NFL championship, happening during the NFC divisional playoff game at Qwest Field in Seattle on Jan. 10. Team competitors were recognized in a pre-game ceremony before the 49ers’ game against San Diego.
The PPK program is free – to both organizers who host a local competition and the youth who participate.
2014 NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Team Champions
Girls 6-7: Gabriella Davis, Elk Grove, Calif.
Boys 6-7: Joshua Roth, Seaside, Calif.
Girls 8-9: C’eaysia Alberti, Hometown Not Provided (seventh overall of all team championships)
Boys 8-9: Blake Jacobs, Dixon, Calif.
Girls 10-11: Christiane Carlisle, Chico, Calif.
Boys 10-11: Raymond Price III, East Palo Alto, Calif. (second overall of team championships)
Girls 12-13: Brooke Lafferty, Alturas, Calif.
Boys 12-13: Keenen Togisala, Cedar City, Utah
Girls 14-15: Malia Togisala, Cedar City, Utah
Boys 14-15: Steven Etman Noriega, Sacramento, Calif. (third overall of team championships)
Visit http://www.nflppk.com/ for more information.