By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

The Power lies within … LaPlace.

The old saying might be a bit paraphrased there, but there is no mistaking its truth now — the LaPlace Power semi-pro football team is set to begin play in June.

The team, established by president Wayne Thompson, will compete as part of the Premier Football League. The PFL is based in the Southeast region and boasts teams in Baton Rouge, Montgomery and Pensacola, among others. 14 teams in all will compete to determine a champion.

The Power will play its home games at St. Charles Catholic high school, and will hold tryouts at the school on Apr. 11.

Thompson has high hopes for the team, and believes the region is conducive to building a winning program.

“Our main goal is to bring a championship to the River Parishes,” said Thompson, who has been involved with football administration for the past nine years and is a former semi-pro player himself. “There is so much talent that comes out of that area.”

Former Saints running back Buford Jordan is also involved as a team advisor. Jordan won a championship coaching the Bayou Beasts in the Indoor Professional Football League in 1998.

The head coach of the team will be Ricky Knight.

The team is in the process of signing its first athletes. One who it has come to terms with is LaPlace native and former Bonnabel standout Doug Freeman. Freeman, a 27-year-old defensive back, was the Most Valuable Player of the North American Football League All-Star game in 2007.

“I really missed it here,” said Freeman. “I left (LaPlace) right before high school, and I have a lot of family here. I definitely can’t wait for the season.”

In addition to the on-field competition, there’s a bit of competition among league fans as well. The team receiving the most fan support in terms of attendance will host the PFL championship game at season’s end.

“It would be great to represent LaPlace in the championship game on our home field,” Thompson said.

There is a registration fee of $35 for next Saturday’s tryout.

For more information, one may e-mail the team at powerfootball316@yahoo.com.