United Football League to thank for first week of high school football

By Case Keefer (contact)

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Mention high school football and the memories come rushing back to Jim Fassel.

The Las Vegas Locomotives coach recollects on growing up around Anaheim (Calif.) High School football and spending time with his father, who was the team's equipment manager.

"I grew up on the sidelines until when I got into high school," Fassel said. "I was a ball boy, and it was one of the greatest experiences you could have in your life with your dad."

Fassel and the rest of the United Football League's fond feelings for high school football inspired the league to make a commitment to help the sport in Southern Nevada.

For the second straight year, the UFL donated $20,000 so Las Vegas-area schools could play in an extra regular-season game this week.

"They are a life-saver," said Ray Mathis, Clark County School District Athletics Director. "They are creating an additional game for kids that normally wouldn't have that chance."

Before last season, the school district cut down the football schedule to nine games. When the UFL found about the change, it pledged money to give most teams the 10 games they are accustomed to.

The partnership was such a success that the UFL made the donation again this year. Mathis said most high school football games cost the school district about $2,000 to put on.

With the UFL's money, the school district was able to schedule 10 additional games as part of its Hall of Fame Week.

"It's a non-conference game, so a lot of times it will give coaches a chance to give some other kids playing time," Mathis said. "The UFL has really opened the door for a lot of kids."

The UFL also held a 7-on-7 passing league earlier this month at Green Valley High School. Fassel spoke to the players invited to the event and also spoke to local high school coaches at a recent clinic.

UFL commissioner Michael Huyghue will be on hand for the opening game of the season Thursday night between Cimarron-Memorial and Las Vegas High.

"It makes me feel good that we can help," Fassel said.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or case.keefer@lasvegassun.com. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.