Demopolis Dixie Youth officially kicked off its 2009 season Monday night when more than 300 players, parents and coaches shoed up for the league’s opening ceremonies at the Sports-Plex.

“The feeling with board is actually quite positive,” Dixie Youth president Randall Smith said. “We’re pleased with the numbers. Everybody has got a real positive attitude right now about the season.”

A great deal of league officials’ optimism in regards to the season stems from the high turnout the association saw during its registration period. Despite having to extend registration for the 11-and-12-year-old age group, the league is on pace to exceed its 2008 participation.

“We have got a nice turnout,” Smith said. “The way it’s looking, we are going to beat last year’s numbers by probably 10-15 kids. We had a lot of late shows in the 11-and-12 division, which was a surprise.”

The league currently has 190 girls registered for play. Its final numbers will become more apparent when registration for the 13-15 age group is opened in a few weeks.

“We’re expecting two teams at least,” Smith said. “We could possibly go three, but more than likely two.”

In 2008, the league welcomed 208 girls for play.

“We’re looking at 215 to 220 potentially with the two 13-15 teams coming in,” Smith said. “(The growth) is something I guess that only word of mouth and the history we have is doing.”

Despite the abnormally cool temperatures Monday night, the league’s first two games of the season took place. In the 9-and-10-year-old division, Robbie’s Tire defeated Reynolds Vending 11-0 to open the year before Fitz-Gerald Clinic pulled out a 7-6 barnburner over West Alabama Christian Daycare in the 7-and-8-year-old division.