EPHRATA – They had the helmets, pads, cleats, eye black, cheerleaders, even a post-game hug from Mom …

Squads from the Ephrata Grid Kids youth football program hosted the visiting Othello Huskies on Saturday at the Ephrata Middle School field.

The youngest division — 3rd- and 4th-graders — led off the morning action, followed later with separate games featuring 5th- and 6th-graders. Families lined both sidelines on a splendid fall day, cheering on the young gridders as they learn the fundamentals of the game.

Here’s a look.