Ranger Romper Room

It is F week at Noah’s Ark Preschool, which means it’s Fireman Fred’s turn to be mascot and the local high school football team’s turn to be heroes.

Members of the undefeated Nordhoff team visited the school Tuesday for the second consecutive year, bringing with them cheerful attitudes and equipment they used as props.

The players, who arrived in full uniform, were greeted by squeals and high-pitched cheers from about 40 youngsters ages 2 to 5, who were prompted in their efforts by teacher Roxanne Farrar, former Nordhoff cheerleading advisor and wife of the team’s head coach, Cliff.

Rangers Russell Farrar, Matt Merritt, Matt Cresto, Jim Musick and Kevin Zielsdorf towered over their diminutive spectators, who watched intently while gathered on the lawn adjacent to the school.

“Always wear your mouth guard because your parents will probably give you braces soon and they want you to keep your teeth,” Russell Farrar advised. “And your tailbone pad is to protect your butt, uh, bottom.”

The spellbound audience was told that the Rangers--the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Merritt in particular--achieved their size by eating vegetables and drinking milk. They watched as the players put on a half-speed tackling drill.

Best of all, the youngsters were allowed to try on the equipment and do a little slow-motion hitting of their own.

“I bumped a guy down and he fell on his head,” said Kyle Chism, 4. “I liked it.”

Other children lined up to kick a football off a tee or throw a pass. Cresto, the team’s quarterback, grinned broadly while demonstrating proper techniques.

Roxanne said the players’ visits are more than entertainment.

“This is a small community and anything the older kids can do for the younger kids is important,” she said. “I told them they’re role models and the little ones need to see you doing positive things, not smoking a cigarette somewhere.”

The Rangers are 4-0 heading into their homecoming game Friday night against unbeaten Bishop Diego. But even an undefeated regular season might not win them more loyal fans than those from Noah’s Ark.

“Russell gave me a kiss!” 4-year-old Georgia Farrar, Roxanne’s niece, said proudly.

“I want to be a kicker and I’m going to be bigger than that biggest guy,” said 5-year-old Ryan Wilson, pointing to Merritt. At 3 feet 9, Wilson has a ways to go.

With the visit winding down, Roxanne and the players coaxed the children to form a large circle. Holding hands and led by Merritt’s loud baritone, they began to sing the team’s fight song:

“I want to be a Nordhoff Ranger. . . .”