By Kathryn Roth, Staff Writer
The long-awaited homecoming girls’ flag football game took place the night of Hawk Flock, Wednesday October 28. In our own stadium, juniors and seniors competed against each other with some of our varsity football players coaching on the side. In the recent past, the girl’s flag football game has not happened, so many were excited to get a chance to play this year. After a very long and close game, the seniors took the win with a final score of 28-21.
Many seniors have waited for all four years to play in this game, including Senior Ella Ferrer, who explains, “I was so excited to play in the football game with and against all my friends. It was such a fierce competition going back and forth the whole game.” She also added that Maddie’s interception was one of the main reasons for the start of the great offensive runs that led to victory for the seniors.
Most of the students playing in the game were not super aware of all of the rules of football, so many of our own football players decided to help out and coach during practice and on the sidelines. Senior Captain Ethan Burnett states, “I was excited for the game since they brought it back. I got involved from our football coaches asking us to help out and it seemed really fun for previous years, so I wanted to do it.” They received great appreciation from the girls as they helped create the plays and provide direction on the field.
As non-football players, many girls stepped out of their comfort zones by learning and executing a new sport in less than a week. Senior Paula Elguera shared her excitement when she said, “I was so hyped for this game and it was so fun to play offense and defense.I think a lot of us worked really well together and I am so happy that we pulled through with a win at the end.” The surprise factor was real for any of the players who caught the ball and ran it for a touchdown, as was the excitement factor when the team would run together in a huddle to cheer when they scored.
A lot of juniors were unaware of this event as River Hill has not held the flag football game for the past three years, but many were eager to get on the field. After a long game, junior Chelsea Adamson stated, “It was an honor to be able to play in this game and get the first touchdown. It honestly was a lot more fun than I thought it would be.” As one of the main players, Chelsea constantly made good runs and carried the offensive line as she took her fast moves down the field.
The seniors weren’t the only team with the football boys helping them out as the juniors had at least four players giving them plays and calling out substitutions. Junior Wesley Weinberg, a varsity football player, explained, “It was very fun and challenging with very little practice time, but I think we did very well and had some great teamwork in the end.” As this event shines on the girls, the football boys who were behind the scenes truly helped the game run smoothly.
Being on the field brought out a different side in many people as they had to learn how to adapt quickly while working with people in their class who they may not know very well. Playing defense for the juniors, Sarah Le thought, “Overall I think it was such a fun event and I can’t wait to have the chance to play again next year and hopefully take the win!”
This year’s game was a success with a small but loud student section who came to cheer on both classes as well as some other seniors who were a little cheerleading squad to help start those chants like we do every Friday for the real games. Also, students loved to see photographers from the yearbook capturing every moment as it was happening on the field. After the game, many juniors and seniors already want to have a rematch and possibly have another flag football game sometime before the school year ends!