The Ranger Reporter is the nation's leading source for youth sports information in the Smithson Valley community. We provide mostly accurate scores, schedules, rankings, statistics, and media for teams across our local organizations. Founded in 2022, we offer a comprehensive platform for athletes, coaches, and fans.
Featured Teams
2024 Smithson Valley Freshmen Blue Football Team
Where were you on November 16, 2024? If you were like the hundreds that flocked to Jumbo Evans Sports Park, then you were able to witness the exclamation point to what some are calling the greatest season ever put together by 1st and 2nd graders. On that day, the Rangers prevailed over the Pieper Warriors 39-18 to cap off an undefeated season and stake claim to the 2024 HCYFL Freshmen Division Championship.
The team was feeling every emotion after their championship victory. “Championship snacks are the best snacks!”, said Dylan ‘Babbelbekkie’ Butz. “Medical tent!”, yelled Hunter ‘Cinco’ Bailey running by with a thank you card for the staff. “I think I lost my ring already.”, said ‘Easy’ Easton Bryant minutes after the trophy presentation. “My mom said I could go get a Kona Ice if we won. I’m gonna get a large!” added Asher “Big Riff” Riffle.
But the story of this team doesn’t start there. The story began way back in July when fourteen 1st and 2nd graders showed up for pre-season conditioning camp four days a week to run sprints and do up-downs in 100-degree heat. Fourteen kids who, at the time, questioned their life choices and whether their parents were trying to punish them for some unknown transgression. Throughout camp Head Coach Scott Shepperd convinced the boys that the heat is “just the way we like it”, Assistant Coach Ed Bailey provided strong words of encouragement to give 100% effort every sprint, and Assistant Coach Ted Bryant sketched out several different formations to run the same belly play.
As they came out of camp and started full contact practices, it was clear that this team had potential to do something special. Special because the team embraced the ‘junkyard dog’ mentality Coach Shepperd preached throughout the season. And game after game the Rangers proved they were more than just a collection of 1st and 2nd graders playing football. They were a pack of ‘junkyard dogs’ showcasing that hard work and discipline are at the cornerstone of any great team. That hard work and discipline produced a dominant defense that only gave up a total of 48 points on the season and an offense that amassed 316 points scored.
The ‘junkyard dog’ mentality carried the Rangers to an unforgettable season and a place in HCYFL history. The team is tentatively scheduled to visit the White House in February.
8-0 Regular Season, 10-0 Overall Record
2024 Hill Country Youth Football Freshmen Division Champions
2022-2023 Bulverde LL Braves
The Bulverde Braves roster was not necessarily was not full of future MLB stars, but they were able to locate the dugout (most of the time). From the first pitch on Opening Day, the Braves were focused on post game snacks, maybe hitting a few dingers (or at least make contact), and figuring out which direction the bases go before the coach yells it for the third time.
The team was not short on teamwork, sportsmanship, or the art of turning a single into a double (even if it's thanks to an outfield error). Although they were probably not masters of catching pop flies without closing their eyes, they definitely were world-class at post-game snack consumption and celebrating every run scored (even if it was for the other team).
There were several questionable throws, a few heroic slide attempts that ended in dirt angels, and definitely a whole lot of almosts. They showed up to play ball, attempt to win, and invent a new, highly unorthodox style of defense.
Our Founder
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S. T. Rike
The idea for the Ranger Reporter was born on the sidelines of countless youth sports games, where founder Stanley T. Rike witnessed the incredible moments—and the common challenges—of young athletes and their coaches. With a personal passion for the game and a deep belief in the life lessons learned through sports, Rike set out to build a digital platform that would enhance the youth sports experience. His goal is to give every local team the tools to share their news, celebrate their victories, and build a stronger community. Through the Ranger Reporter, Rike is turning a personal passion into a powerful resource that truly serves the future of sports for the Smithson Valley community.
