Rams roll to Reno for final game

These Rams are on a roll.

The North Tahoe Rams, a Pop Warner football team composed of Incline Village athletes, won their seventh game of the year last Friday against the Sparks Steelers.

The win means North Tahoe will play one more game, as it wraps up its season at 10 a.m. Saturday in Sparks against the Reno Patriots in the annual Snow Bowl. The Snow Bowl serves as a mock championship game for the Mighty Mites division.

Coach Dennis Perry said he's been pleasantly surprised at the team's success this season.

"We're usually the doormats of the league," Perry said. "I don't know what happened this year."

Despite being outnumbered in roster size, the Rams dominated last weekend's game, winning 27-6. The win vaulted North Tahoe to 7-2 this year, one of the top teams in the 16-team Mighty Mites division. Pop Warner athletes are 7 to 9 years old.

Quarterback Jack Clouthier and tailback Tommy "Touchdown" Thompson scored touchdowns for the Rams. Perry recognized Riley Curtin, Jacob Buhler and Tino Motola for their strong play on the offensive line.

He also credited the North Tahoe defense.

"On defense cornerbacks Blake Perry and Kelsey Philpot kept outside runs in check all night," Perry said. "Two key stops from Preston Hoff and David McCarthy kept the Steelers from keeping drives going."

Perry said the Rams Pee Wee team, consisting of players ages 9 thru 12, also plays Saturday in the Snow Bowl against the Sparks Wolfpack, Perry said.

Both teams are looking forward to next year and will be recruiting players soon, he said.

For information how to join Pop Warner or Pee Wee football, contact Perry at (775) 240-0682.