By Myrikal Collington

Flag football is a new sport at BHS that’s giving students the opportunity to compete, build new skills and work together as a team. The team is undefeated with a 6-0 record headed into a public showcase at home Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Although the sport is still new to many players, the team has already developed strong connections and a positive environment.

Hadley George, one of the team captains, said she enjoys that flag football gives everyone a chance to participate.

“I like how flag football is a new, upcoming sport, and it gives not only girls but everyone a chance to play this amazing sport,” she said.

Being a captain has also been an important experience. “It feels like an honor to be captain because both my coaches and teammates not only have respect for me but look up to me.”

She originally joined the team to improve her soccer skills, but eventually found herself enjoying flag football for more reasons. “When I started playing I realized I wanted to play because of my teammates and just how unique the sport is in general,” she said.

Teamwork has become one of the biggest parts of the season. Samora Griffin said the entire team contributes to the team’s success. “I would say the whole team because I feel like we work very nicely together and we can get the ball up and down the field or wherever it needs to go.”

Naila Saltzman explained that leadership is about more than simply being a captain.

“I build on the team as a leader by always giving a hundred percent in everything so my coaches see my want and care about the sport, and my teammates see I’m someone who can be there and help,” she said.

Players are learning how important strategy is during games. Naila said that if she had to choose one play to run, she would pick the “twister” because it gives the offense different options. The play gets the running back moving and allows the player to either run or throw the ball, making it harder for the defense to know what is coming.

Another important part of flag football is the physical and mental skills players develop.

“I like how flag football works every part of your body and improves speed and agility, arm strength and requires quick decision- making on the field,” Naila said.

She also emphasized that every player has a role in making a play successful: “Everyone has to be working together to bring a play to life and that team coherence really brings the team together whether practicing or playing.”

For Ella McNeely, one of the most challenging parts of the sport is pulling a runner’s flag.

“The hardest part about pulling a runners flag is timing. It’s all about gauging where the runner is going to be and not just where they are,” she said. “You also have to have good hand-eye coordination to be able to grab the flags when they’re moving so much.”

Her goal for the season is simple: “To play to my best ability and hopefully keep up our winning streak!”

Evie Allison also enjoys the team environment.

“It feels pretty cool. I like how my coaches and teammates look up to me. I like the environment and all the people that play and my coaches,” she said.

Since flag football is a new sport, she decided to give it a try and ended up enjoying playing with the team.

Being captain has also helped players learn how to handle mistakes and keep improving.

“It feels amazing to be captain,” Naila said. “I always push myself really hard and I hate when I mess up, so the fact others see more in me than just the mistakes helps me realize nobody can be perfect and all you have to do is try your best.

“As a captain I hope that I can always be the one to be there for my teammates to help them out no matter what.”

The coaches are also focused on helping players improve instead of worrying about the final score. Since flag football is a new sport for the team, Coach Heidi Jordan said skill development is especially important, even though the team still enjoys winning.

“Skill development takes a lot of time in the off-season doing summer workouts,” she added.

Coach Brady Horne said the coaching staff looks at each player’s strengths when deciding positions. She also explained that players may be moved around early in the season to see where they fit best before the coaches decide where they should play.

For the players, flag football is about more than just winning games. It is about learning new skills, supporting teammates and creating memories together. Naila xplained that she has always enjoyed running and childhood games like tag and sharks and minnows, and flag football reminds her of those games.

“I just love the team connection,” she said.