The boys football team is not the only one who can bring home the win. On homecoming weekend, Loyola’s very own girls flag football team scored their first victory against Round Lake High School.
The Ramblers started the first half rocky, falling behind with a score of 0-12. Tensions were high as the team hurriedly yelled out their next moves, unsure if they would be able to climb back up.
As the game progressed, the referees started to make calls that the teams would deem to be unfair. As a result, both teams’ frustration intensified, and insults were thrown towards the Ramblers from the opposing team.
Despite Round Lake’s antagonism, the Loyola girls stayed poised and focused, which in turn helped grow the team’s bond with one another, and influenced them to hold themselves to a higher standard of sportsmanship.
The second half had arrived and the girls were still behind. It was at this moment that Coach Zupec decided to switch up her defense strategy. “From the defensive point of view, we decided to stop rushing and take a man-on-man approach.”
Once the plan was put into action, the shift in playing was uncanny. After every call of “set, hike!” from the opposing team, a flag was being pulled no more than 6 seconds later by the Ramblers.
Quickly the ball was put back into the possession of Loyola’s offensive team. With great runs and impeccable strategic passes, the girls scored their first touchdown of the game.
Lily Bowman helped bring the team closer to victory with her nimble evasions and fast sprints towards the end zone. Not only did she score once, but twice with the help of the offensive line and quick-thinking quarterback.
Once the opposing team got a hold of the ball, their possession was cut short by Mma Akela as she intercepted the pass. Holding the ball tightly in her arms, she made a break for the end zone, resulting in winning the game and preventing the other team from scoring.
The Ramblers had a sense of community as they celebrated their victory. This was Loyola’s first flag football season, and they had no previous summer practices as other teams have had, making this win extra special.
Not only did the girls win the game, but they gained a sense of trust and bonding with their teammates. “I think we won this game because we worked as a team,” said Lauren McManus, a defensive player.
As the coaches get more familiar with the sport, there are hopes that it will eventually become an official IHSA sport that will be open to all girls who are interested in playing.
Plans have already been made about what actions they will take to secure wins next year. “We’ll have camps. We’ll have practices every day,” said Coach Zupec.
Hopefully, with this new confidence and motivation, the Ramblers will end their season strong and set a new tradition in Loyola’s community for years to come.
