April 15, 2024
By Alexandra Lourenço
Editor
The girls flag football team kicked off its competitive season with a 0-0 tie against Harrison High School at home on April 10.
The team, which is in its third season, is mentored by first-year Head Coach Kesack, who was the assistant coach for the previous two seasons.
Kesack said he hopes to build on the foundation established by former Head Coach Tuero and use his experience in football to take the team to the playoffs.
“Football is a passion of mine, and any time I can teach about the game, it’s a great opportunity,” Kesack said.
He said the players’ strongest quality is their motivation.
“[I like] how eager and willing the girls are to learn about the game of football. I also appreciate how competitive our girls are when it comes to wanting to win games,” Kesack said.
Freshman Taylor Paglio said there were several reasons she joined the team.
“I like flag football because I learn a new thing about it every day, and it is a fun sport with great teammates.”
“I have always loved football, and also the two coaches are the best. [Assistant] Coach Kroncke and [Head] Coach Kesack [are] always uplifting,” Paglio said. “I like flag football because I learn a new thing about it every day, and it is a fun sport with great teammates.”
Paglio said she is excited to find her place on the team and connect with the other girls.
“I am looking forward to working hard, finding the position I would be best at [and] bonding with my great team,” Paglio said.
Junior Elona Megally, who joined the team as a freshman, said she looks forward to being a leader on the team.
“When the freshmen ask me questions, I have to show them examples and guide them,” Megally said.
Despite her love of flag football, Megally said she will not be returning to the team next year because it will be exiting the pilot stage and becoming a varsity sport. Therefore, students will have to choose one spring sport to join rather than participate in a varsity sport and flag football.
“While I really love flag football, I see myself throwing for track in the future. I see myself going farther in that sport more than I do in flag football,” Megally said.
Even though she will be leaving the team next year, Megally said she encourages other students to participate.
“It’s still going to be fun to play, and it is still going to have a lot of fun opportunities in the future,” said Megally.
