Tenacious Defense Leads Flag Football to Strong Start

Two Midwood linebackers trap a John Jay wide receiver on March 30. *Photo: Jayden Courtois*

By JAYDEN COURTOIS

Let’s not sideline the obvious: flag football season is back, and it’s kind of a big deal. The team has gotten off to a strong 4-1 start, showing promise and chemistry on both sides of the ball, and looking to improve on last year’s 5-4 finish.

Mr. Jonathan Skelly, the head coach, said, “Real success looks like steady development: players improving their skills, understanding the game at a deeper level, and becoming more confident, being better at the end of the season than they were at the beginning.” Happily for Midwood, that’s what the team has been demonstrating so far this year.

In their first game of the season against New Utrecht on March 17, the girls brought the heat with quarterback Kailin Gordon ‘26 going for an aggressive QB rush on the Hornets’ first offensive possession.

Gordon was at the 50 yard line when she bolted past three defenders, bobbing and weaving close to the sideline with the ball high above her head before crashing into the end zone with a triumphant stance. The score set the tempo for the rest of the game, putting the girls in high spirits.

One of the team’s strong suits is staying focused while emotions run high, a leading factor in their action-packed 43-34 victory. Shayla Bowen ‘26, a wide receiver and defensive blocker, said, “We collectively try to relax, bring ourselves back together, and hold ourselves and others accountable.”

Hazel Rosales ‘27, an offensive blocker, said, “We try not to get cocky, and we continue to do our best without any distractions, pretending the score is still 0-0. Our only focus is to score more points.”

Not only is the Midwood’s offense a serious threat, but when needed most, their defense steps it up to another level. During the second quarter, they caught three pick-sixes on consecutive defensive possessions. One of these came early in the third quarter when cornerback Erisa Mani ‘27 intercepted a pass and ran 20 yards for a touchdown, putting Midwood in the lead by 18 points.

Their opening day win against New Utrecht, powered by defensive dominance, was the beginning of a trend, as the team has gone on to shut out James Madison and Francis Lewis 13-0 each and top Fort Hamilton 14-6. Their only loss so far was at the hands of John Jay on March 30, 16-6.

But outside of the flags, the sport means even more for this group of girls.

Yu Ting Pan ‘26, a wide receiver and middle blocker, said, “It just keeps me pushing as a player, which is why I really enjoy playing defense. And the enjoyment that I have, the friendships I’ve built through my four years, the bond that we all share [has been so important].”

“I’ve wanted to join a sport since freshman year, but I was always really shy,” Rosales said. “Luckily, my friend also wanted to play and so we kind of did it together, and I have no doubts or regrets.”

The camaraderie and support in the huddle is apparent to any observer. “When players celebrate each other’s growth as much as game results, you know you’re building something meaningful,” Mr. Skelly said.

While their season is only half over, the team has already shown great strides. The scoreboard may tell one story but for Midwood’s Girls Flag Football Team, the real victory lies in their growth, resilience, and unbreakable bond. And if their 4–1 start is an indication, they’re just getting warmed up.