The football season for the 8 th Grade North Metro Jaguars was over before it really began. The team was officially suspended from The Jefferson County Midget Football Association (JMFA) on September 17, 2007 after a special meeting was held by the league board of directors four days prior.

Five weeks into the season the 8 th grade Jaguars have logged over 20 practices with no recorded games played (other than registered forfeits). Three of these forfeits include games in which spectators witnessed the scores as 57-0, 40-0 and 56-6 all in North Metro's favor. North Metro's record reflects five consecutive forfeits in the JMFA integrated league website.

The original complaint stems from Arvada Midget Football President Jeff Glenn after official league weigh-ins were held in Arvada August 23. Allegations brought forth Aug 29 at a regular monthly JMFA meeting included a "Rule 17" violation against North Metro which states that if any JMFA area member consistently disregards the rules and bylaws of the JMFA, their membership may be rescinded. This was followed by an "inquiry" two weeks later by South Jeffco Football Director Bill Smith outlining alleged violations by North Metro, the 8 th grade team, and Head Coach John Carranco. The violations included unofficial rosters, issues with registration, ineligible/illegal players, weigh ins, and bracketing/scheduling. Both Glenn and Smith sit on the JMFA Board of Directors. Smith did not respond and Glenn stated he did not have a comment.

According to those surrounding this conflict, the biggest sticking point seems to be the allegations around illegal players.

"We have a roster the JFMA President signed off on and another updated roster that was hand delivered at the field after we were directed by JMFA to add boys from the other defunct 8 th grade North Metro team", expresses North Metro 8th Grade Team Manager Cathy Johnson.

"It looks like certain board members had it out for North Metro since the onset of the season," states another frustrated North Metro parent. "Our kids signed up to play football, instead they are surrounded by a cloud of smoke because of a board who decided to make a big decision during the season rather than before or after the season," the parent concludes.

The JMFA website posts that, "Everyone...abides by the Ten Commandments of Sportsmanship". The first and "Golden Rule" being, "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

After consideration of the "inquiries" from South Jeffco, The JMFA determined September 17 that North Metro's 8th grade team not permitted to complete the Fall 2007 season, is suspended from further play in JMFA and that the head coach be suspended from JMFA for a period of one year.

North Metro head coach John Carranco and North Metro Area President Fermin Montoya have had ongoing dialogue with JMFA Board Members and President of JMFA Bill Patten throughout the 2007 season in hopes to establish common ground. Carranco and Montoya also attended what was referred to as a "special meeting" by league officials September 13 which was hosted at the attorney's office for JMFA in hopes to reach a resolve.

"We were not allowed to bring in council for North Metro and were told that we could not ask questions and only respond during this September 13 meeting," commented Montoya. "The league stated they operated under the Robert's Rules of Order during this meeting which is impossible because they brought the charges and hosted what I believe to be a trial on the same day," a frustrated Montoya explains.

"South Jeffco is afraid we would win the Carnation Bowl this year, that is why they worked so hard to kick us out of the league," states Johnson.

During a September 17 interview on 630 AM KHOW with Caplis and Silverman, Carranco expressed that his team should not have to endure such comments from competitor's parents such as "cheaters, w**backs and jack-*ffs". Carranco stated this was the sediment from the sideline during one of the games played this season.

"I want nothing more than for these boys to be back out on the field," Carranco expresses.

North Metro filed suit the last week of September asking for a temporary restraining order which would allow Carranco's team to be reinstated and complete the 2007 season. This motion was denied.

The 8th grade boys are holding practice and working out next steps as a team. No refunds have been issued to the families of the suspended team.