Youth football for the SeaTac Sharks continues to be a key element in the development of young football players in SeaTac.

In 2009, the Bantams won the South King County Junior Football League championship to extend their title reign to four consecutive seasons. In addition, the '89ers reached the championship game before falling just short of a title. Expectations are for the 2010 season to be even more eventful.

Operating since 2001, the Sea Tac "Sharks" franchise is joined in the S.K.C.J.F.L by eight other teams. The other franchises come from the Central Area Parents and Coaches Association (CAPACA) also known as CD Panthers, Kent Cobras, Rainier Beach Sports Program (Vikings), Rainier Valley Football Association (Ravens), Rainier District Eagles, Renton Area Athletic Association (Rangers), Tukwila Bulldogs and West Seattle Wildcats.

Unlike other leagues, the teams are set up by age and not weight in order to open up participation to athletes that were unable to play before due to weight restrictions. All participants will be able to compete with others of their own age and mental capability.

Divisions and ages include PeeWees (6-7) coached by Al Scanlan, 89'ers (8-9), Bantams (10-11) coached by Darnell Cola, Juniors (12) coached by Ken Turner and the Seniors (13-14) coached by Leon Currenton.

Steve Jorgenson is league president while Marshall Jones is the atletic director. The cheerleading director is Vanessa Taylor.

Juniors is still recently new to the program while the Seniors coaches prepare athletes for the high school level.

The entire program promotes and sponsors youth football and cheer in the Sea Tac and surrounding areas.

For more specific information about the league and opportunities for volunteering, check the team's website (www.seatacsharks.com) or call (206) 349-2966.

Without reference to the over-used terms from the original Jaws movie, foes entering the shark zone will definitely be fair game for the thriving divisions of the SeaTac Sharks.

Examples of division teams begin with the the Bantams, who are attempting to stretch their title reign to five consecutive seasons.

Although the Bantams return six players from last season's titleists, one of the keys will be the reliance on a large group of first-year age group athletes.

"This will be a reuniting of the '89er's championship players from 2008," declared head coach Darnell Cola, affectionately known as Coach Bear. "We always have waves of running backs. This year, we go six deep at running back, three deep at fullback with depth at quarterback, also. The key is developing our linemen. Our tradition is to have devastating offensive and defensive linemen. Right now, we have a lot of work to get there, but we're optimistic. We need the linemen to open up room for our runners on offense and to block holes on defense."

Cola also expects his running backs to block.

One of these top players is 11-year-old running back/line backer Micah Vaifale, who attends Parkside Elementary.

"I've been in the program for five years and my sport is football," he said. "I love football, but I really enjoy learning about teamwork and sportsmanship."

At the six-nine year-old level are the youngest players, the Pee Wees, coached by Rodney Carver.

"We're looking forward to a good season and we have some truly outstanding players," said Carver.

One of the top names to emerge from the waves is head coach Carver's son, Rodney, Jr.

"He was last year's starting fullback who averaged nearly 10 yards a carry," attested offensive coordinator J.J. Cooper. "This year, he's bigger and faster."

Carver, Jr. certainly enjoys the game and his teachers.

"This is my second year," he said. "Football has really been fun. My dad and the other coaches have taught me very well."

These statements from coaches and players epitomize the friendliness, fun, espectant competitiveness that envelops the entire program from parents, coaches, players and anyone else that supports and guides these young athletes.