On Wednesday, September 23, the Lions played against the Standley Lake Gators and also celebrated LHS seniors, including Yara Soto, Sofia Aleman, Maddie Kusner, Ceirra Wilburn, Charlotte Dulaney, Alyssa Pena, Angie Rangel, and Lizzy Brizuela Varela. The Lions had a very successful night, winning with a score of 13-7. It was a close call towards the end of the game, but the Lions stood their ground.
The seniors started the night off with them all singing the national anthem together, which was very fun to see! Family and friends also showed up for the Lions in support and to celebrate all of the progress this team has made in just three years of being a CHSAA-sanctioned sport.
Flag Football has truly created a community and a safe place for all the girls on the team, as I learned when I spoke with seniors about their overall experience. Senior Sofia Aleman, who recently came back from hand surgery, says, “I feel like we are really supportive of each other, and everyone on the team is really great, and I love that.” Other seniors have also felt that sense of community along with Aleman. “I feel like everybody on here is a family, and we do everything together.” said Charlotte Dulaney. It is so great to see the community LHS has.
Captain Ceirra Wilburn has had a big impact on this team since it started, and was asked about what this team means to her and what her favorite part of holding the role of captain is, especially for senior night. Wilburn responded, “I think it’s just like being able to lock in our players, so we get to focus on the game, and I also just feel honored that I was chosen by our team to be a captain.”
Lastly, the players were each asked what some of their favorite moments of flag football are. “Halftime, when we go into the locker room, and everyone is either down if we’re losing, or we’re really happy if we’re winning. But we always try to hype everyone up and try our best.” said Aleman. Dulaney says, “Definitely our teamwork and all of us cheering, it just makes the game way better.” And Wilburn said, “Our practice warm-ups are always super fun, and just the community that we’ve built and the family we have.” Overall, Flag Football has done an amazing job at keeping their spirits high and their enthusiasm up throughout the games, and has clearly impacted many people positively.
Congratulations, seniors, on all of the hard work you guys have put in over the last three years. We are so proud of you, and can’t wait to see what you do next! Flag Football plays Green Mountain High School next on September 28.
