Last Updated on Monday, 29 June 2009 03:20 Written by By Christine Morente-San Mateo County Times Monday, 29 June 2009 03:19

Daly City police, firefighters square off in football fundraiser

DALY CITY,CA — A friendly game of flag football on Sunday will pit Daly City police officers against firefighters from the North County Fire Authority. The objective of the "9-1-1 Bowl, Guns v Hoses" fundraiser is to raise at least $2,000 for Jefferson High School's junior varsity and varsity football teams. Budget cutbacks threaten to make a dent in the program's transportation funds next year, said Daly City police Officer Andre Bray, who also works as an assistant coach for the school's varsity football team. For some time, football coaches have been paying out of pocket for the program's expenses. Five coaches for the junior varsity and varsity squads will soon learn from the Jefferson Union High School District board if they'll be paid this year. If they are, the coaches have agreed to donate their checks back to the program to stave off the possible elimination of all junior varsity sports. "The program means too much to the kids," Bray said. "We coach because we love it. Pay is not our motivating factor. Sports are an integral part of these kids' lives. From a police standpoint, they need it to keep their heads on straight." The first 9-1-1 Bowl flag football game took place last year, when Daly City police officers took on firefighters from the Colma Fire Protection District. "We blew them out of the water," Bray said. He and the Jefferson High School's Athletic Booster Club decided to do it again this

year to bring community awareness to the program. The club, which was created last year with the help of local resident Reyna Meafua, raised more than $5,000 from the football program's end-of-season dinner in late November. Varsity coach Ako Poti said the program hasn't been hit with substantial cuts this year, but he worries about transportation costs. The junior varsity and varsity teams each have five away games a year. "If we make 50 bucks (on Sunday), that's 50 bucks we didn't have," Poti said. "We're just looking at having people come out and support the game itself." Gabriel Gutierrez, 16, will be a senior this fall. He's likely to play outside linebacker-safety for the varsity team. Gutierrez said he hopes the upcoming fundraiser will prompt more parents to get involved. "It will really support the team and give a lot of inspiration," he said. The 9-1-1 Bowl takes place at noon tomorrow at Fontana Field, 6996 Mission St. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children.

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