Local youth team set to travel to Texas, compete in bowl games

Published 12:01 am Friday, August 4, 2017

The Miss-Lou Saints are hitting the road.

The Natchez-based youth football team is packing its bags for a nearly six-hour drive, ready to compete in a series of bowl games hosted by a youth league out of Lancaster, Texas near Dallas.

Saints coach Patrick Davis said about 40 players ages 5 to 12 are expected to make the trip for the games Saturday.

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“They are excited, and I’m excited for them,” Davis said. “We compete in a league where we travel to places like Brookhaven, but this will be the first time all of them are traveling out of state for sports.”

Davis said the plan was made possible after raising sufficient funds for travel and lodging. He said the Saints hosted many fundraisers, including selling Kripsy Kreme doughnuts and local barbecues.

“Most of the families and parents helped out. They all made it happen,” Davis said.

With a set goal, Davis said the young athletes have become additionally motivated since raising enough money.

“From the day we decided we had enough money to go, they have been at another level,” he said. “Instead of going through the motions, they are really here and putting in the work.”

The Saints — which yield teams in three different age groups — are set to play a game in each division against all other teams from Texas.

“We will be the first team from Mississippi,” Davis said. “Compared to Dallas, we are generations behind. They have a recreation building on every corner.”

While away from home, Davis said he hopes the kids build up their dreams.

“Once they get there, it will be a whole other world. It’s to let them see the bigger vision of football,” he said. “They actually asked if they could go see the Dallas Cowboys, but I just told them they aren’t playing right now.”

The Saints begin their regular season on Aug. 19 in Woodville.