Flag Football Teams Open Doors for Female Athletes
Each day after school, the student athletes engage in warm up activities, then move into agility work. Then routes, then a rotating focus on either offense or defense before their daily scrimmage.New this year, several dozen girls from all SCSD high schools represent the Syracuse East and Syracuse West flag football teams.
Flag Football is a growing sport… now with seven teams in the state, representing two divisions (small school and large school). The New York State Public High School Athletic Association last year called it an “emerging” sport – but until this year, didn’t have enough sections participating to host a state championship. This year, the SCSD teams, representing two of the five teams in the small school division, are on track to have a chance at competing in the state championship!
The teams practice every day, where they learn the game, watch film… everything that a professional football team would do to prepare. Thanks to a grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods, the teams all received equipment, uniforms, and other necessities.
Syracuse East Coach Jeff Petties said there is a certain level of excitement about being “the first” to play to sport for the SCSD, noting the weight of this historic season.
“It’s a wonderful, historic opportunity,” Coach Petties shared. “We have some good athletes. Their athletic ability is there. Learning football is our focus right now… it’s not a natural learning curve to pick up the intricacies of football. There’s such a buzz in the school right now – everyone is supporting the team!”
“It’s new and it’s fun – I really like it,” Nottingham senior Azaria White, a wide receiver, explained. “I think we have a good team! I’ve only ever done running sports like track and cross country… so the hand-eye coordination is new and tough! I had no knowledge of football coming in, so there’s been a lot of learning. I’ve been working hard at studying the play book! I’m excited to tell people I’m one of the first… I have to give myself props for that!”
For student athletes, their excitement stems not only from being the first to try something – but also from the camaraderie that the football experience has created with loved ones.
“My dad watches a lot of football, so it’s been easy for me to learn the flag rules,” Henninger sophomore Ta’Kai Baker, Syracuse East Quarterback, said. “I’ve got speed… I’m fast! Knowing all the plays is the hardest part, maneuvering around. I’m a point guard in basketball, so that helps – I know how to play and manage the ball… it’s just a different ball!
“I know a lot of people who play football,” ITC senior Treasure Taylor said. “My cousin played D1, and my brother played. It’s really fun! I like running the plays, and catching the ball is so fun! I’m a receiver. I already know what most of the routes are – I’ve had to learn particular rules like how to defend. I follow the offensive playbook! I know we’ll have a lot of eyes on us… so I hope we’ll be good!”“I’m a Bills fan, and my family is all huge Bills fans… so I had to try it out!” Corcoran senior Caroline Menon shared. “I’m the quarterback, and it’s a lot harder than I expected! Flag rules mean you only get one second to throw the ball! Being a point guard in basketball has helped me with that. It’s awesome – a good way for us girls to break the stigma that women’s sports are ‘easy’ – flag is way harder than regular football!”
“I didn’t have a spring sport, and it sounded fun,” ITC junior Briella Corless added. “I thought about playing football at one point, but I didn’t want to be playing with all boys. I play soccer – also a contact sport, so I thought this would be similar. I was surprised so many girls wanted to play! When the guys at school find out I’m on the flag team, they seem impressed… but there’s also pressure for me to represent!”
The SCSD Athletics Department continues to prioritize increasing participation in sports. Next winter, they hope to introduce girl’s wrestling, if there is enough interest! We’re proud of these groundbreaking student athletes.
To view photos of the Syracuse East vs. Syracuse West football game on April 18, 2024, please click here!
