As the new  Flag Football team begins, students are eager to know what is in store. The Barron Perspective interviewed both Coach Twomey, and Coach Allen, the co-head coaches of the team, and quarterback Khloe Nogueras. 

Coaches expectations

In discussing her role in building the team from the ground up, Coach Twomey explained her thoughts. 

“Coach Allen and I have started this, fresh, none of the girls have previous experience, so it’s the first year ever for all of them,” said Twomey. 

With all the girls having zero experience, it must be difficult to learn all the techniques and skills. Being a first year sport, there are some good surprises to come; both coaches are working together to understand how the players learn and interact on the field. 

“[What surprises me is] how well they are learning,” said Twomey. 

“Football is a difficult sport to learn especially when you’ve never played before, and they are all coming together to learn together and play as hard as they can on the field.”

Both Allen and Twomey have had to face many challenges coaching a new sport. Coach Allen has been coaching traditional football for many years. Coach Twomey, on the other hand, coaches volleyball and was interested in flag football ever since she played in powderpuff when she was a student at WHS. With football being slightly different than flag, there are multiple aspects to keep in mind. For the limited field space, players have had to adjust to a different style of play. 

“Rules are definitely different, you can’t use your hands to tackle which as a coach that is something very different for me considering there are a lot of different rules,” Alan said.

QB perspective

With the coaches perspective, we also gathered intel from players on the team, starting off with newly appointed QB; Khloe.

As the first ever QB in flag football history, Khloe has a lot of pressure on her shoulders. She says she is very excited and knows the team will do well. 

“ [I want people to remember] the connection the team had and our wins. The team connects well together, everyone gets along, and I look forward to sharing the experience with them.

Players Thoughts

“I’m one of the first people trying out for a new sport, and its honestly a test run since its not a official sport yet” – Angelina Summers 

“ Everyone is learning how to play this sport, and the team and I are working together as a family” – Mikayla Laroza 

“Ive always played football with my cousins and I thought it would be fun; I was so happy when I made the team.” – Ava Burgos Freshman

Touchdown

The girls flag football team’s first game commenced on March 25, and the girls did amazing! No wins currently, but with the hard work and dedication of the team, the girls will go far.  The girls are trying to make up for lost time, since other schools had started years ago. Despite the learning curve, the team represents something bigger than just a new sport. 

“We can do anything here, no matter boys or girls,” Alan said.