Saddleback Valley Cheerleaders Win

A group of 12 Saddleback Valley cheerleaders, headed by longtime coach Gail Wright, took first place recently in a competition organized by the Pop Warner Football League.

“We did pretty well for our little group,” said parent Kate Charles-Howe.

The Orange Empire Conference, held in Long Beach, was special, parents say, because the girls showed extra team spirit. One 12-year-old team member was holding an extended “A mount” position when she slipped.

“Even though the girls knew they would lose points in the competition, they went to help her anyway,” Charles-Howe said.

The squad’s win qualified them to compete last week in Tucson, Ariz. On Sunday, the squad will accompany the Saddleback Valley football team to a game against North Long Beach players for the coveted Orange Bowl. The football players--ages 11 to 14 years--won their division title while the girls were competing in Tucson.