Vikings start Pop Warner practice Vikings start Pop Warner practice (July 27, 2005)

Nearly 150 Pop Warner football players from East Palo Alto through Woodside are poised to charge onto the Menlo-Atherton High School field on Monday, August 1, as the M-A Vikings start practice for their seventh Peninsula Conference campaign.

The Vikings will compete in five age and weight categories from 6 through 15 years, and up to 150 pounds. This season's roster will include, for the first time, a "Teeny Mite" division for 6-7 year olds coached by Menlo Park's Bill Tarr.

Overall, the Vikings retain a distinct Stanford influence, with coaches John Paye Sr. and Jr.; former NFL gridder Greg Baty; Cardinal Rose Bowl veterans Eddie Patterson, Chris Johnson and Emory Brock; and defensive specialist Jim Rutter.

Other returning coaches include Robert Guzman, Bill Barrett, Greg Blank and Frederick Rodgers. Ex-Nebraska player Mike Stanek is back after a year away from the area.

The season opens Sunday, August 28, with the annual Pop Warner Jamboree at Menlo-Atherton. Viking President Bob Williams said further information may be obtained at 562-1950 or the Web site (mapopwarner.com).

-- Report by Jim Gallagher, Vikings Boosters

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