Colorado City, AZ – What started as a critical observation by a dedicated coach is quickly evolving into a thriving foundation for football talent in the Short Creek communities. Heber Horsley, currently in his fourth year as the volunteer head football coach for Water Canyon High School, identified a significant gap in local athletic development: incoming freshmen often lacked any tackle football experience. This realization spurred him to action, leading to the establishment and rapid growth of the Short Creek Youth Tackle Football league.
Horsley, who is not officially on the Water Canyon staff but dedicates his time as a volunteer coach, brings a wealth of experience, having previously helped establish the El Capitan football program alongside Smith Timpson. It was his direct involvement with high school athletes that illuminated the pressing need. “After completing my first year as head coach of Water Canyon High School football, I quickly saw a critical need: our incoming freshmen were arriving with no tackle football experience,” Horsley explained. “They were spending their first two years just catching up — and by then, we need athletes who are ready to go.”
Recognizing the necessity for earlier preparation, Horsley reflected on past efforts. Back in 2010, he helped launch a junior high flag football league, which provided valuable exposure to the sport. However, as the community grew and public high school football became more established, it became clear that “we needed to step it up.”
“Tackle football is different,” Horsley emphasized. “Learning how to wear pads, take and give hits, and move within a full-contact game is a steep learning curve — and it’s something we have to prepare our boys for before they reach high school.”
In 2023, Horsley took the initiative, reaching out to the SUNYL Football District in St. George to propose the creation of a new district for Short Creek. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to the launch of the region’s first official youth tackle football league right in the Creek. In a move designed for inclusivity, the district was named “Short Creek,” rather than after a specific school, ensuring all youth from the diverse communities felt welcome.
The inaugural year saw 23 boys sign up, with Coach Mitchell Jessop taking the helm. Despite being the underdogs against more experienced teams, the team “held our own and competed hard,” laying a strong groundwork for the future.
The program’s second season in 2024 witnessed remarkable growth, with over 70 boys signing up and forming three full teams. A testament to their accelerated development, the 8th-grade team achieved an undefeated record until the semifinals. “It was an incredible second season,” Horsley remarked, highlighting the palpable progress.
This burgeoning youth league is proving instrumental in bridging the experience gap for aspiring high school football players in Short Creek, fostering foundational skills and competitive spirit long before they step onto the high school gridiron. Heber Horsley’s continued volunteer efforts are not just coaching a team; they are building a football legacy for the community’s future. For more information Contact Heber Horsley 435-212-0466
