OH girls flag football team played their Regional championship game and completed their IHSA season against West Aurora High School with a score of 32-7.
“We didn’t win [the] regional finals,” said OH senior Reagan Zaccardi. “It was a tough game. … we were ranked one higher than West Aurora, so it was tough,” said Zaccardi of the Oct. 7 match. She also played in the championship last year.
In the few years OH has had an official girls flag football team, this is the second time they have made it into the playoffs, making it a pivotal moment in the team, but also OH’s history.
Like Zaccardi noted, OH did not advance into the championships, however the team has still been very successful over the last few weeks of their season.
“We worked hard every single day, the environment at practice, the environment at the games [made a sifference],” Zaccardi said. “We went a hundred and ten percent and no matter what … it was just a good environment to be in.”
The teamwork the girls demonstrate has allowed them to grow as a team. Making it into the regional championships as a flag football team, especially one that is relevantly new to OH, is rare.
“The team has allowed me to be a successful player by making sure I get lots of reps in [at] practice,” said OH senior Leah McKenzie. “My self confidence [as well]. I work really hard in practices and on my own to feel good in games.”
Along with McKenzie, OH senior Makayla Hill describes the environment and support of having a strong team.
“Having a good team that pushes me to be the best player every game [and] having a good support system [helps],” said Hill.
While there has been persistent hard work from this team, but some players felt they could have done better.
“I wish I got to play one more play, but I understand we wanted to keep fighting, even though the score was pretty drastic,” said Zaccardi.
Even though the players had doubts, the night still made an everlasting moment and mark in their lives.
“Personally I think I could have done better but knowing that was the last time I touched a football field I’m happy [with] how I left it,” said Hill.
As Hill noted, this was the seniors’ last game, making it an emotional moment in their flag football careers, knowing they badly wanted the win.
“I’ll always remember my senior year flag football team, and it really made an impact on our players, on our team,” Zaccardi said. “It’s sad, but it’s a new coming-of-age.”
Hi! My name is Kenna Ryan! I am a senior at OH and it is my first year on the 42Fifty Staff. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and attaching my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
