May 9, 2025
By Tyler Herman
Staff Writer
The flag football team began its season with losses against Harrison, Secaucus and Wood-Ridge High Schools. As of May 8, the team’s record was 1-4.
Senior wide receiver Alexia Marmorato said the players are using the experience they gained in their first few games of the season to strengthen their skills.
“The team could definitely improve on flag pulling, along with catching and throwing the ball, and mostly defense,” Marmorato said. “We were not doing so well in the first couple of games, but every single game was a process and learning experience for further games.”
Flag football will become a New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association-recognized sport next year. Therefore, athletes are still allowed to participate in a spring sport in addition to flag football.
“Everyone has a very good work ethic and is ready to work every practice.”
“We could be doing a lot better, but I feel like between the track [and field] and softball team, everyone is getting pulled in different directions, so it’s hard to really hone in and focus on what we need to focus on,” Marmorato said.
Senior running back Madeline Turano said even those athletes who play another spring sport are dedicated to the team.
“We [keep] putting all of our effort into each play after being exhausted [from] different sports,” Turano said.
Even though it has been a challenging season, Turano said it has been rewarding to be a role model to younger members of the team.
“I accomplished something that I didn’t know I needed. Seeing other girls inspired by what I do makes all the rough days worth it,” Turano said.
She said she has learned more about herself by participating in the sport.
“I see flag football as an opportunity to become the person I am by being humble, picking myself up after one error, focusing on the future [rather than] the past and having fun in the moment,” Turano said.
Freshman wide receiver Jaylin Vuono Reid said that being a member of both the outdoor track and field team and the flag football team has taught her important life lessons.
“This has helped me learn how to juggle a bunch of things. I do track and now flag football on top of having to [do] all of my schoolwork,” Reid said.
She said, despite the team’s rocky start, the players are enjoying themselves and have the potential to be successful.
“Everyone has a very good work ethic and is ready to work every practice,” Reid said. “The atmosphere during these practices is very good. It is fun to be there, but we still work and get things done.”
The team hopes to put its skills to the test in its final game of the season, which will take place at home on May 13 against North Arlington High School.
“My expectations for our team are to pull out a win for the last game as a club sport. Although it may be a tough game, our team should work together to win as a team and end this season off on a good note,” said Reid.
