To the casual observer it looks like the 2006 Devar Gayle show is going to be bigger and better than the 2005 version. A bit unfair perhaps on the supporting cast who make the holes, give the blocks and a defense that is as mean as they come.

The mercurial youngster took one play to open his and the Warriors season’s account when he took the opening kick off back from sixty-five yards out. The Spartans obviously had not learned what every other side in the country did last year and within the first minute found themselves 8 – 0 behind on their much vaunted return to youth football. Another blistering forty-five yard dart with the extra two being successful increased the National Champions lead to 16 – 0 before the quarter was over.

While the Spartans stuck to their task, tackled ferociously and had some success moving the ball, Gayle completed his hat-trick, strolling in from a mere twenty-five yards out. A five yard touchdown grab by tight-end Matt Russell moved the home side into a formidable 32 – 0 at the end of the half.

Gayle trotted in from fifteen yards out to stretch the lead to 40 – 0 before a swarming Warriors defense felled the Spartans ball carrier in his own end zone to round of the afternoon’s entertainment with a safety.

The Spartans should not get downhearted by this result. Last year the Warriors despatched virtually every side in the same manner. They will have learned already what it takes to compete at the very highest level. As a young side they will mature and grow. Provided they learn, play with the same c ommitment and stick together they will be fine in the long run.

Quite simply the Warriors have posted their intentions to retain their title early.