Peyton Yniguez is having fun playing Flag Football. Photo by Adam Bell.
Peyton Yniguez drops back to pass during the RISE flag football spring season opener. Photo by Adam Bell.

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After getting rained out a week earlier, Hollister RISE Flag Football’s spring season opener was held on a sunny day on April 19 at Rancho Santana School in Hollister.

Director of Rise Flag Football Anthony Elias said he started the league when he moved to Hollister and there wasn’t a flag football league for his kids to play in.

“We just happened to know some people affiliated with RISE flag football,” Elias said, “and it all started there with conversation about where my son Malachi Elias wanted to play, (since) we didn’t want drive to Morgan Hill or Salinas to play.”

Elias said he was really surprised by how many people were interested in participating.

“So for this season, we have 250 players,” Elias said, “and we’ll fluctuate probably between 250 and 400 a season.”

Player Peyton Yniguez said he was excited to start the season after joining the league with his best friend Remo Shearer.

Elias said he wanted the kids to have a positive experience, so they could come back and continue playing.

David Ruvalcaba running against the other team while playing flag football. Photo by Adam Bell.

David Ruvalcaba runs with the ball.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Lane Castillo and teammates celebrate his touchdown.

Photo by Adam Bell.

Lane Castillo’s team was happy that he made a touchdown in the flag football game. Photo by Adam Bell.
Cole Betantes has his eyes set on the game. Photo by Adam Bell.

Cole Betantes prepares to pass.

Photo by Adam Bell.

  • Cole Betantes is getting away from the Chefs team. Photo by Adam Belll.
    Cole Betantes tries to dodge defenders Photo by Adam Belll.
  • Hollister RISE Flag Football Sorubg Season Opener. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Opening day drew a crowd Photo by Adam Bell.
  • The football coach, Andrew Barragan, is explaining what he wants the team to do. Photo by Adam Bell.
    Coach Andrew Barragan discusses strategy. Photo by Adam Bell.

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I am a lifetime resident of Hollister and was born in San Jose. I have a passion for photography and reporting in San Benito County. Since 2019, I have been working for a successful non-profit, Growing...