<I>Eagle photo by Tim Adams</I><BR>Kolton Boethin reaches back for a little extra on his attempt during the passing section of the Punt, Pass and Kick event sponsored by the John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation Department.

JOHN DAY – For the first time, there were no girls entered in the annual John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation Department’s Punt, Pass and Kick competition at the Seventh Street Athletic complex on Sept. 29.

A total of 12 participants were in the event cosponsored by Gatorade and the NFL, vying for the opportunity to advance to sectional competition in La Grande

Rayce Houser from Canyon City took first in the 8-9-year-old division with a total score of 135 and Justin Larsen from Dayville had a score of 230, to win the 10-11-year-old age group.

Blake Purnell from Prairie City had the top score of 237 in the 12-13-year-old division.

The three John Day winners participated in the Sectional Competition on Oct. 8, where Larsen won first place.

He now waits to hear from NFL Punt, Pass and Kick headquarters to see how his score compares with other sectional scores.-

Top five sectional scorers will have the opportunity to advance to the Team Championship Competition during a Seattle Seahawks game later in the fall.-

Purnell captured second-place honors in his age group at the La Grande Sectional Competition.-