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Lawrence Youth Football Players May Face Lockout

LAWRENCE (CBS) - Teams of young football players in Lawrence could be facing their own lockout this fall season. The Junior Maulers say they were unexpectedly voted out of the Cape Ann Youth Football League after only one season last year.

They were one of two inner city teams playing mostly suburban towns. They claim they were told they didn't fit.

"There is always a dark cloud over the people of Lawrence and the environment we're in. When you look beyond that you see parents that care about their children," said Ines Faucher, the Maulers president.

They still took to the field on a hot Thursday evening to practice, but it could be an exercise in futility.

WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports

"What do we tell the kids. You can't tell kids it's not a fit, they don't know what that means," said coach Michael Caban.

The Maulers paid for a three year contract with the Cape Ann league and were refunded some of their money, though Faucher says they won't cash the check until this is resolved.

They have received offers to join other leagues, but it's too late for this year. Some players could leave the Maulers, altogether, and go to other leagues on their own.

"The team, it wasn't a team it was a family," said player Michael Caban.

Parent Kelly Savastano says her son won't play for anyone else. The Maulers are hoping Cape Ann will change its mind so they don't face their own lockout. Attempts to reach members of the board of the Cape Ann league were unsuccessful.

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