Capture The Flag: The Flag Football Team Have Something To Prove

Varsity Flag Football Captain Michelle Goldman catching a pass. Photo Credit:JP PORTRAITS

BY SARAH ROUSSELL

It’s 3:00 p.m. at Cooper City High School and the varsity flag football team gathers on the field for their afternoon practice under the scorching hot sun.  After stretching for fifteen minutes, the team forms a huddle around the coach to listen to instructions. By 3:30 practice has begun. Determined to perfect all elements of their performance, the girls begin running through drills. At both ends of the field, the offense and defense repeatedly run through a variety of different plays. With a vision of victory empowering their every move, the team works hard in the sweltering heat.  For a sport that is often overlooked and underappreciated, the hard work and extreme dedication of CCHS’s flag football team definitely proves worthy of recognition.

When thinking of flag football, most people automatically jump to the conclusion that it’s a lesser version of men’s tackle football where no padding is needed and flags are worn.  However, the girls at CCHS prove how intense and extreme this sport can actually be. In the beginning of the season, the team gets in shape with conditioning for four days of the week.  As the season moves on, the team practices two to three times a week for about two and a half hours in addition to playing games.

“It’s definitely one of the most intense sports out here,” Coach Freddie Terribile said. “Once the ball has snapped, it’s non-stop action. There are no breaks for anybody on that field.”

With this in mind, the team pushes their strength to its limit. During practice, the team tests their athletic abilities by working on plays and running scrimmages.  In order to better their performance, the girls must put forth their best effort.

Like many sports, flag football not only requires strength, resilience, and dedication, but it also true teamwork. During game time, it’s crucial that the girls are constantly communicating with each other in order to achieve victory on the field.  This element of the game is something that senior captain Michelle Goldman really enforces.

“Overall, we represent the true definition of a team,” Goldman said. “We work together, we are friends, and we have fun.”

Goldman has been playing flag football since her sophomore year. Through the years, she’s grown quite attached to the game and is now a captain for the varsity team.  Along with three other team captains, it’s Goldman’s job to relay all information about fundraisers, equipment, and schedules to the rest of her team, lead in stretches, and most importantly be a constant team motivator.

“Being the team captain is a huge honor and responsibility,” Goldman said. “I want nothing but the best for my team and I want to lead them into a successful season.”

With a record of 7-2, the Cowboys have played a very impressive season thus far. With only two games left to play, they hope to accomplish their goal of becoming district champs. They then hope to make it to regionals, followed by states.  No matter the outcome, the girls on CCHS’s flag football team have a reason to be proud. Through victories, defeats, a lot of hard work and a never-ending dedication to the game, the team has grown into a family.

“I love playing flag football because it really is a team sport,” junior Erica Hausdorff said. “We’re always depending on each other and it’s nice to collaborate as a team and you make really great friendships along the way.”