Submitted by Chad Hager Fifty-three children participated in the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition at Johnsen Field on Sept. 13.

The Rugby Jaycees hosted the 2014 NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition for 53 area students at Johnsen Field in Rugby on Sept. 13. Youngsters from Leeds, Rolla and Towner joined their Rugby peers.

The following children won first-place honors in their division and berths to the sectional competition in Carrington on Oct. 12. Scores are the punt, pass and kick lengths combined.

Girls: Lacie Deplazes, Rugby, 6-7 age, 26 feet, seven inches; Abby Klein, Rugby, 10-11, 49-4; Tesha Sobolik, Rugby, 12-13, 152-4; Madison Uhlenkamp, Rugby, 14-15, 203-9.

Boys: Holdyn Jacobson, Leeds, 6-7, 84-6; Jacob Ripplinger, Rugby, 8-9, 185-8; Jaylee Brandt, Towner, 10-11, 205-2; DJ Schneibel, Rugby, 12-13, 251-8; Kevin Vetsch, Rugby, 14-15, 223-8.

Top performers at sectionals will receive an invite to compete at a Minnesota Vikings game.

“The turnout was bigger than normal, which is nice to see,” Rugby Jaycees president Chad Hager said in a press release. “We enjoy doing this annual event for the kids in our communities. It’s always nice watching the smiles on all their faces and the fun they have competing.”

Hager thanked Shopko Hometown for donating money for water balls and football cards given to each participant.

– Tribune Staff Report