Flag football: Kicking off the season

BY KAYLA GATES

With the spring season underway, flag football is just one of the many sports gaining momentum. New and returning players have come together to compete in the sport once again this year. As the 2020 team begins to form, the Lady Cowboys look forward to another successful season.

Despite an official February start, the flag football season spans far beyond its official time slot. Interest meetings took place both before and after winter break, informing prospective players on what one should know for the season to come. This included eligibility requirements as well as a tentative schedule, ensuring that those pursuing the sport were prepared for the commitment.

After gaining some interest, coaches decided to continue their conditioning tradition. Interested players were permitted to train alongside both new and returning players. The girls had the opportunity to utilize the new CCHS weight room in order to build strength for the upcoming season. Coaches also led practices after school in order to better introduce players to the sport.

“This time allows a coach to get a glimpse of what needs to be focused on,” physical education department head Jill Smitherman said. “More importantly, it gives the athlete[s] the necessary opportunities to work on the skills that would allow them to make the team if they are new to the program, and allows returning players to build chemistry with their teammates.”

“This time allows a coach to get a glimpse of what needs to be focused on.”

Physical education department head Jill Smitherman

Following months of conditioning, prospective players had the opportunity to demonstrate their newly learned skills at tryouts, which took place in mid-February. Participants completed a variety of exercises showcasing unique aspects of the sport, including running, throwing, catching, blocking and flag pulling. Despite some skills introductions during conditioning, coaches were able to better assess individual skill levels at tryouts.

Al DiLiello holds the position as the flag football head coach, leading the varsity team and advising those at the junior varsity level. His diverse coaching staff has allowed the program to build a tradition of success, producing a championship team as well as award-winning players.

Due to a significant increase in popularity for girls’ flag football, CCHS opted to form a junior varsity team in recent years. Dennis Clemons heads the team, working alongside a small coaching staff in order to prepare players to advance to the varsity level. The team travels with their varsity counterpart, competing against schools with a junior varsity level as well. 

As a whole, the relatively new program has achieved much over the course of the past few years. The varsity team has won three district and two regional titles. Further, the team has been invited to compete at the state championship two years in a row, despite losing in the finals.

“We are defending three-time district champions and I hope that my team and I can bring another title and more to Cooper City.”

Sophomore Leyla Geha

“Coming into my second year of flag football is going to be exciting. I can’t wait to get on the field and start the season,” sophomore Leyla Geha said. “We are defending three-time district champions and I hope that my team and I can bring another title and more to Cooper City.”

Looking ahead, the CCHS flag football program is seeking similar success. With the team fully formed, daily practices have commenced. The Lady Cowboys hope that their months of training and preparation have prepared them for another winning season for the 2019-2020 school year.

“This team works hard every day,” flag football sponsor Alexandra Silvestri said.

Photo by Anabella Garcia