Booker, Lambert connect with future football stars

Lorenzo Booker, a former Florida State running back and receiver, told the young players to have a good time playing sports, but to stick with school.

Booker was faithful by staying with Florida State after graduating from high school.

“Booker is one of the top running backs for the Philadelphia Eagles,” said Pulu Aina, president of the North Oxnard Warriors.

“Booker is a good humble man, said Oscar Lopez of YAC, a 1982 Channel Islands graduate. Lambert, who spent his college career at Notre Dame, hopes to have an impact with the San Francisco 49ers.

Other special NFL guests included T.J. Housmenzadah of the Seattle Seahawks, Bernard Berrian of the Minnesota Vikings and Antonio Chapman of the Bengals. Because of contract negotiations, Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson of the Bengals was unable to attend.

Mark Gaston, public address announcer of the Warriors, said he grew up in Oxnard reading the local sports pages and following the hometown stars.

Saturday’s competition under the direction of YAC and the Warriors brought together 17 talented chapters. Those displaying banners included the Thousand Oaks Titans, West Ventura Panthers, Camarillo Roadrunners, Simi Valley Patriots, Calabasas Raiders, Hueneme Rhinos, Agoura-Oak Park Eagles, North Oxnard Warriors, Castaic Cougars, Moorpark Saints, Ventura Packers, Newbury Park Steelers Grace Brethren Youth Sports Football, Oxnard 49ers, Canyon Country Outlaws, Burbank Vikings and Santa Clarita Valley Athletic Association Warriors,

The third annual competition was much cooler this time in Oxnard in 78-degree weather. It was 93 Saturday in Santa Clarita, home of the 2007 and 2008 passing and hogs action.

“Our goal was to combine the north and south (league chapters).” said Aina.

Over at Pacifica, the Gold Coast Youth Football League Knights were hosting the same competition for its chapters.

The El Rio Spartans are a fifth football chapter in Oxnard and El Rio, playing in the Santa Barbara Youth Football League.

Bantam, Midget, Junior and Senior divisions competed.

“The kids had a blast,” said Al Perez, YAC director. “All the kids were excited.”

YAC’s John Diaz had a strong contingent of volunteers from high schools and colleges.

Ventura College-bound Moises Barrera (Pacifica), New Mexico Highlands’ Herm Young (VC) were among numerous volunteers. Barrera said he enjoyed his four years of football at Pacifica, kicking several game-winning field goals as time expired.

Fullback Young (Pacifica) liked playing for VC’s Jon Mack, winning a championship ring as a freshman.

Another volunteer was J.B. Dock (St. Bonaventure grad) headed to Fresno State.

Aina is reaping the benefits of the talent the Warriors have at their doorstep.

The Junior Division Warriors were Super Bowl champions in 2008 and the Bantams were runners-up at College of the Canyons.

Aina, the Warriors third-year president, has three sons playing in the league: Pewee Faamini, 7; Bantam Sete, 9, and Midget Pulu, 11. Aina and wife, Tami, have two more Warriors knocking on the door: Poi, 5, and Pata, 3.

The Hogs Tournament winners included Calabasas Raiders (Bantam), Moorpark Saints (Midgets) and Camarillo Roadrunners (Juniors and Seniors).

The North Oxnard Warriors won the Bantam, Midget and Senior divisions in the passing tournament. The Santa Clarita Valley Warriors won the Junior Division by six points over the Warriors.