The bottom line was that ‘control’ became key in soccer-style kicking. Field goal kickers were much better able to ‘feel’ the ball on the foot when using the instep rather than the toe.

For the second straight year, the Walker Renegade Cheerleaders came out on top.

The Walker Renegade Cheerleaders were awarded first place against five other squads from around the area during the Southern Louisiana Youth Football Association (SLYFA) Cheer Championship in Central, Louisiana, on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Squads from Walker, Denham Springs, Live Oak, Prairieville, Gonzales and St. Amant competed against each and performed five-minute routines in front of a three-judge panel, which determined the day’s winners.

And for two years now, that winner has been the Renegade Cheerleaders out of Walker. This year’s squad was comprised of 45 girls ages 4-13, all of which performed the same routine together during the championship weekend.

Walker Renegades is a non-school affiliated youth football organization dedicated to developing young football players and cheerleaders into successful athletes. The organization’s purpose is to provide participants — both football players and cheerleaders — with a sense of teamwork, leadership, discipline, sportsmanship, and athleticism they will need later in life.

Walker Renegades promotes a standard of excellence for its participants, coaches, volunteers, parents, and board members on and off the field.

Cheerleaders from several local schools cheer on the sidelines during football games from July-November and compete in the SLYFA Cheer Championship at the end of the season. There are also cheer camps throughout the year, beginning in January.

In the Walker Renegades, cheerleaders are divided into four separate squads based on their age and skill level.

For anyone interested in cheering for a local team, please contact cheer director Crystal Barbazon at (225) 588-1263.