YOUNG SQUAD DEFIES EXPECTATIONS IN FIRST-EVER FLAG FOOTBALL SEASON
ox Chapel Area
FOX CHAPEL AREA SCHOOL NEWS
YOUNG SQUAD DEFIES EXPECTATIONS IN FIRST-EVER FLAG FOOTBALL SEASON
W
hen the Foxes’ inaugural flag football team came together this spring, many of its members had little to no knowledge of the technical aspects of the sport, let alone playing together as a team. Sure, they were football fans, but while flag football shares similarities with America’ s mostwatched sport, the two sports are very different.
What occurred over the spring season was an inspiring display of growth, grit, resilience, and determination to succeed. Not only did the Foxes finish with an impressive 12-4 overall record and a 10-3 mark in their section, but the team also advanced to the WPIAL Class 3A playoffs.
Coach Brandon Rios had few expectations when he assumed the helm of the program. He just wanted his players to learn the game and have fun doing it.
“ Overall, I’ m just proud of the girls and how they trusted us as coaches,” said coach Rios, who is also an assistant varsity football coach at Fox Chapel Area.“ They stayed together, stepped up, and supported each other all season.”
The maiden flag football roster featured 28 players, enough to field both varsity and junior varsity teams, and with only one senior on the squad, the underclassmen had the opportunity to hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
Sophomore quarterback and leader Izzy Morado said,“ One of the biggest things I learned this season is that you win by working together. Everyone had a role, and when we trusted each other, we played our best games.”
“ Everyone had a chance to play equally, and that helped us come together,” added freshman Delaney Drum.“ I poured my heart out on that field, and we all did the same for each other.”
When the Foxes became postseason qualifiers, they knew they faced significant challenges against the No. 1 seed in Class 3A, Shaler Area. Despite a loss, they competed with confidence and pride.
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“ When I decided to coach the team, I knew we’ d be facing programs that had years of experience already in place,” coach Rios said.“ But the way the girls responded all season was incredible.”
Junior safety Sera Filar said the team felt pressure at the beginning of the season to set the tone for what flag football could look like at Fox Chapel Area. She believes the Foxes have set a strong foundation for the years ahead.
“ As time progressed and we started winning games and figuring things out, I think we all are proud of ourselves in how the inaugural season played out,” she said.“ Working together for a common goal really brought us together. I’ m honored to have been part of the first year, and it makes me even more excited to play next season.”