Scotts Valley Football plans to help wildfire victims in Northern California

Some much needed help is on the way from the Central Coast to acommunity devastated by recent wildfires in Northern California. On Thursday, NewsChannel 5 found out how a local high school football team has its sights set on a new goal.

The Scotts Valley High School football team is making a trip up north to Siskyou County next week to play Etna High School. But while the team is up there, players plan to help people living in the small town of Weed.

In about a week, these football players plan to take a truck load of supplies to some kids who share their same passion for the sport.

“Anytime it’s more than football, it’s a cool thing that our program is being able to offer that. And I think it’s really cool that it’s something else we can do as a team,” said senior Ethan Harris.

For these high schoolers, this trip could leave a lasting impression, as they see the true devastation wildfire can leave behind.

Harris and several other players are participating in an off-campus program focused on fire science, giving them a first-hand look at what it takes to become a firefighter.

The team plans to take lessons learned on the football field and take them up to Weed High School, to show those football players their not alone.

Athletic Director Louie Walters said for his players, the trip will be eye-opening.

“Eight football kids on that Weed football team lost their homes-six kids in their pop warner program. Weed is a population of about 3,000 and 170 homes burned to the ground,” Walters said.

Parents and staff are collecting items but they said more donations are welcome. They’re hoping to bring some hope to a situation that’s looking pretty grim for families who have nothing left.

“So to us it puts things in perspective that football is great. I love football. But this is reality and we feel like it’d be good for our kids to help that town out,” Walters said.

Donations to help the Weed High School football team can be made by contacting the Scotts Valley High School.