The Huntington Park Spartans are excited to introduce a promising, new sport, never before seen at this school. The rise of flag football has begun! This commitment started mid-July and continues until early-November in hopes of an exciting and triumphant season.
“ I am hoping to take this season as a full league win and a full playoff run” says Coach Jasmine as she predicts the future of our team.
The assembly of this team is honestly a miracle with a compilation of all HP girls sports and not one original flag football player. It takes great courage for different players to come together into a completely new sport, with little to no guidance, and still succeed. But this is exactly what they have planned and what makes them a historic team.
The first coin flip for the HP Flag Football team took place at home at the 50 yard line against Hamilton High School on Thursday, the 22nd of August. The first of many games had the players filled with mixed emotions as they entered the field.
“I was scared, I was nervous, and I was overwhelmed. It’s my first year playing football or anything like it and I didn’t expect to do as well as I did, so I was doubting myself,” says Kandie Chavez.
The game ended in a complete success with the girls holding them scoreless for the entire game. History was made at Huntington Park with this inaugural flag football bout. As the season goes on, the competitors have demonstrated exceptional skill in their 2 wins against Lincoln High and Hamilton High, but unfortunately suffered a close loss to Ayala Hills High and Garfield High.
Amongst the hardworking group, 3 key players have proved their value to the team through their remarkable feats. Captain Cristina Talavera, #1 playing safety, Captain Katherine Castillo, #16 playing quarterback, and Mia Figueroa , #19 playing running back and wide receiver. Coach Jas gave an honorable mention to the rising freshman Mia Figueroa who gained a starting position on the team full of upperclassmen. Jas highlights her ability to overcome her inexperience and still perform on the field.
“We try to organize the team to push them towards their full potential with words of motivation whenever we can.” says Katherine Castillo and Cristina Talavera with their role as captains.
By: Patrick Elyass, Staff Writer