As the Varsity girls flag football team plays each game, their team spirit and chemistry only grows. During games, the players cheer each other on and encourage each other by creating fun handshakes and using cheers such as “Let’s go defense, let’s go!” or just encouraging a specific player.
Cadence Gradillas, a junior defensive player on Varsity, enjoys cheering for her offense while on the sidelines with her other teammates. “I try to keep people’s hopes up even when going through a rough patch,” she said. She hopes her team will make it to CIF, with flag football being the newest sport added.
Gabi Markos, the Varsity quarterback, believes in building great relationships with her teammates throughout the season.
“I would say that we joke around a bunch while still practicing so that we build great relationships with each other while still getting ready for our next games,” Markos said.
While all the girls on the team stand out, four of them have been playing exceptionally.
Coach Tim Trudeau, a second year coach for the Girls Flag Football team, has been experimenting with a sport so new to Sage Creek.
“We need to get better at the new style of flag football,” Coach Trudeau said.
Lola Carson, senior, is an offensive Varsity player and showcases her exceptional catching and running skills on the field each game.
“Lola Carson was brand new to flag football and adds such a presence to the team. I was quite surprised with her performance,” said Coach Trudeau.
Claire Kang, Eva Kurima and Kinsey Johnson, who are all Varsity seniors, continuously play their best on the field each game.
“Claire Kang, Eva Kurima and Kinsey Johnson are phenomenal players on offense and defense. They always try to do the best they can,” Coach Trudeau said.
These girls support their team on the field and on the sidelines by using cheers and congratulating each other when they score, pull a flag or make a great catch.
The players work hard during practice to get better on defense and offense.
“I would like to improve on mostly guarding the opposing players along with flag pulling,” said Gradillas.
Flag pulling is an essential skill for the defense to perfect. This is how they stop the opposing offense from moving the ball down the field and potentially scoring.
Coach Trudeau emphasizes how he wants the girls to focus on the fundamentals.
“We need to improve on overall game play,” Coach Trudeau said.
Since last season, the game of flag football has changed drastically. Last year, the defensive rushers had to be at least seven yards off from the ball, now they only have to be one yard off. Additionally, punting has been added to the game during fourth downs.
Learning and adjusting to this new game has been a bit of a challenge for returning players. Coach Trudeau expressed how he feels the girls are having a difficult time adapting to the recent changes.
Their current record is 3-9, and they have scored a total of 16 touchdowns so far. They continue to play great on offense and defense, and are determined to win more games. Come to Girls Flag Football’s next home game on Sept. 29 against Vista High School to support your fellow Bobcats!
