Flag Football Seeks Redemption

The girls huddle up before the first game of the season against Tilden High School. Photo: Guo Chen

By TREY WOODBINE

After a disappointing end to last year, Flag Football started off the season looking for redemption, shutting out both Tilden Educational Campus and Frank J. Macchiarola High School and hoping to go deep in the playoffs.

Since that hot 2-0 start, the team has since fallen to 3-4, but they remain confident.

“This year we’re going harder,” sophomore Serena Li said. “We know the name of the game, and we're in it to win it all.”

The team this year consists of mostly veterans from previous years, making the players no stranger to each other and the game. 

“Last year, everyone was new to the team because of Covid,” Li said. “However, this year is different. A lot of the returning players know the drills, the plays, the whole game, and each other.” 

Coach Matthew Livreri likes what he sees as the players develop. “Their football knowledge is not all the way there yet, but their athletic skills are up to par,” he said. “We’re top three in the division, giving us a strong possibility of making it to the playoffs.”

Quarterback Joanna Lin ’25 is putting a lot of pressure on herself. “Everyone counts on my throws to get up the field,” she said. “If we can’t get up the field, it may lead to problems with the defense.”  

The team always strives to make the practice and game environment an open, encouraging place for everyone.

“I love the positive energy that radiates from each teammate,” said senior Alexis Marchuk. “It makes you look forward to practice.”

Sophomore Sophia Wong, who was a team manager as a freshman, has stepped up this year to be a part of the team on the field. “I made the change because I wanted to be more involved in the team,” she said. “Being a player instead of a manager makes the wins feel more special.”

As younger players enter the field, the team will also soon be saying their goodbyes to the seniors playing their final games.

“It’s kind of saddening,” senior Cori Vaughn said. “But I’ll be happy knowing I got to participate in such a fun sport with fun people.”

Though it hurts to hang up the jersey for good, the memories that came with being on the squad stick with the girls.  

“I’m upset that I'm leaving them,” Marchuk said. “But I'm excited for their future in flag football as they all have a lot of potential.”  

However the season plays out, the team will go out knowing that they tried harder than ever and made connections along the way stronger than their bond in football. 

“I laugh harder with my teammates than I do with a lot of my friends,” Li said. “I feel like I can be myself on the field and jump around and dance without feeling judged, which is what I love about these girls.”