Scrimmages, reunion invade Fallon this weekend

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend and the only cure is football, then you’re in luck.

The Greenwave football team is hosting a four-team scrimmage tonight at the Edward Arciniega Athletic Complex. Reno, Carson and Spanish Springs of the 4A visit Fallon for the scrimmage, one week before the regular season begins with Fallon traveling to Hug to kick off the 2017 campaign. The scrimmages start tonight at 4:30 with the freshmen and junior varsity squads, followed by varsity at 6 p.m.

Tonight will be the community’s first look at the new Greenwave, which is young and inexperienced compared to the last few teams, including the 2015 state championship group. But don’t worry. Fallon has one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the north, regardless of division, and expect the Greenwave to still be competing in November in the playoffs.

Fallon coach Brooke Hill, like many, doesn’t plan on revealing much at the scrimmage. Instead, like every season, the scrimmages give teams an opportunity to break from the grind at practice and face new faces and see where they sit before the season opener.

And for the first time in three years, Fallon is scrimmaging at home, which helps reduce the travel schedule. The Greenwave was on the road eight times last year, which included a scrimmage and two playoff games.

“It’s nice to play at home. It’s kind of a way to get the community excited about football in Fallon,” Hill said.

The following day at the high school will see more scrimmages. The Sierra Youth Football League Experience returns to Fallon on Saturday when teams from the region, including Reno, Sparks and Lassen, visit the Lahontan Valley for scrimmages. Like high school, the youth football season begins next week.

Fallon has done well in the SYFL, which acts like a feeder for Hill’s program and runs similar schemes on offense and defense. The goal has been, especially at the older levels, to prepare the players for high school and ease the transition in learning the Greenwave playbook.

And don’t forget about Pop Warner, which continues to thrive in Fallon. The regional jamboree returns to Fallon, as well, next Saturday with teams scrimmaging one another before the regular season begins. Like the SYFL, Pop Warner helps prep its players for high school.

Admission to the high school is free while the gate fee is $4 for those ages 13 and up and $2 for 12 or younger. Players and cheerleaders in uniform and head coaches with a pass are free. Visit the SYFL on Facebook for more information regarding parking and restrictions.

Another high school event is happening over the weekend across town with the annual community reunion. Stop by and reminisce with your former classmates and teachers. The Greenwave Hall of Fame will also be selling T-shirts and accepting donations for its inaugural dinner and ceremony on Oct. 7.

Stay tuned next week as the LVN will roll out previews for the fall sports, beginning with the football and volleyball teams, which start their season next weekend.

Thomas Ranson can be contacted at lvnsports@yahoo.com.