As the SQ Niners prepare to start their season in 2024, their hope is to extend their undefeated season from last year. The team’s perfect season happened after the SQ Niners became sponsored by the San Francisco 49ers.
The SQ Niners started an ‘Olympic style” flag football league that is a 5-on-5 passing league compiled of eight teams with eight players on each team.
The season will begin on September 8th where three to four games will be played in a round-robin tournament that will crown the season opening champion.
Before the season starts the near year-round program saw Coach D. Barela supervising an intramural league well before Coach Brian Underwood drafted the players who have earned spots on the SQ Niners roster.
“I notice we have a lot of good talent and we have a total of 24 players, 12 on each side of the ball. We have some key players but all of our players are very good,” Barela said.
“I agree with Coach Barela that all of our players are good, but we must take note of standouts, Val Teez at quarterback, 2nd year receiver J.R. Pimpton, and two-way player, LS Tillman who is a key receiver as well as top defensive back,” said Coach Underwood.
Besides the San Francisco 49ers sponsoring the team, Underwood was able to hustle up independent donations which showed the importance of the program.
“I am more amazed that CO Gaines donated over $3,000 dollars and church volunteer, Father Ray has assisted us with new cleats, flags, and all the necessities for our Olympic style flag football league,” Underwood said. “Our players will hopefully continue their growth through the Niner Academy where we have a strict code of conduct that includes the fact players must continue programming while playing in our league.”
This years’ crew will see Niners’ head coach Underwood running the offense and coach Baerla making the calls for the defense.
Underwood said he is hoping to schedule a game with the San Quentin Niners playing against staff of the SF 49ers.
He said he hopes that game will be hosted by former SQ chaplain and current SF 49er chaplain, Earl Smith.
The season will be in full swing on September 8th and the staff and players said they hope to see staff and resients supporting their dedication to represent SQRC in a mindful way.
