Clawson Mavericks Varsity Team in Jeopardy, Players Needed

The Clawson Mavericks varsity football team may have to cancel its season if at least five- to- six more players don't sign up this week.

Assistant coach Jeff Gaglio said Monday that the team currently has 13 players registered and only nine who meet the weight requirement. In order to play in the league games, players must weigh 170 pounds or less wearing equipment.

The Clawson Mavericks is a football and cheerleading organization for kids age 6-13. The varsity football team, for 12- and 13-year-olds, typically struggles with registration. League coaches say they believes kids at that age are finding interest in other activities.

The varsity team needs 15 players for a full force team that allows players to take breaks during games, Gaglio said. 

"We can play with nine... but our season would be pretty crummy," Gaglio said. "If someone gets hurt, then it's difficult for the team to play."

Mavericks general manager Todd Shattuck made a offering perks such as new practice jerseys, summer clinics and early distribution of game jerseys. But the team's roster is still falling short and the first league game is scheduled for Saturday.

"It's fun, it’s a good time, it’s a good organization," Gaglio said of the Mavericks. "There's gotta be some kids around here that wanna play football."

The Mavericks program has about 150 participants each year and teams are divided up by age group: from Flag Team, Freshman Team, Junior Varsity and Varsity. There are eight games in the season that runs from August-October.

Parents interested in signing their kids up for the varsity team may call Gaglio at 586-295-9014 or head coach Danny Gough at 248-854-5504. For more information visit the Clawson Mavericks website.