Rapper, Leinart face off Saturday in Snoop Bowl VI
Kelsey Perry
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 1, 2008
The Patriots' perfect season gives them every reason in the world to come to the Valley with confidence. But if Matt Leinart and the Cardinals have anything to say about it, the streak ends in Arizona.
The Patriots - the one's hailing from Los Angeles, not New England - are coached by rapper Snoop Dogg. They're also only in elementary school.
The team will face off against Leinart and the Chandler Cardinals in Snoop Bowl VI at 1 p.m. Saturday at Hamilton High School in Chandler.
The Chandler Cardinals were assembled from the Chandler Youth Football and Cheer Association. Snoop's All-Star Patriots were pulled from the Snoop Youth Football League in California. Snoop organized the football league to make the game an affordable option for inner-city youths.
"They stay ready, they don't have to get ready," Snoop said of his Patriots. "We've prepared ourselves for this the whole season."
Along with the name, Snoop's miniature Pats have brought all the hype of the life-size dynasty when they traveled from California on Friday.
"I'm Bill Belichick. I've won three Super Bowls," the rapper said, "We go into it with the mentality of the Patriots. We're undefeated. We're 14-0."
Despite being friends with Leinart since the quarterback's days at the University of Southern California, Snoop said he'll show no mercy on the field.
"Matt's a great guy, but we're going to have to do our thing out there in the heat of the battle," he said.
Snoop's team may have a flawless record, but the Chandler Cardinals have hometown advantage and a whole lot of heart, Chandler Youth Football coach Derrick Stinson said.
"The kids are real excited and they're ready to go," he said of his team, which includes an offense stacked four running backs deep. "I think we're really going to put up some points."
Leinart donated replica jerseys to the Cardinals and their quarterback, Dylan Cowas, will even don Leinart's No. 7.
"They're really taking a lot of pride in it," he said, "The really want to do a good show for (Leinart)."
In addition to the array of celebrities expected on the sidelines at Hamilton Saturday, Snoop said fans will get a glimpse at some future stars, as well.
"Anything I do is a celebrity event," Snoop said, laughing. "It's a football weekend; why not watch a bunch of future NFL stars come out and play?"
All the money from ticket sales at Saturday's game will go to benefit the Matt Leinart Foundation for disadvantaged youths.
Though he plans on taking home a victory, Snoop, a father of three, said he knows the memories the players will create from being a part the Super Bowl experience is the true prize.
"It's beautiful and I'm glad they're willing to have us," he said. "We just wanted to do something to help the kids."
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