Photo credits: Susan Bruno Photography
On Tuesday night, October 24th, the Girls Flag Football Team played Brewbaker Tech at home. However, this game was different from the others, as it celebrated the seniors on the close-knit team. Senior night is a tradition in most high school sports, congratulating senior student-athletes on their athletic accomplishments. The Girl’s Flag Football team celebrated their seniors with a win and lots of appreciation.
The Vestavia Flag Football team has had an incredibly successful season, ending regular season play on a 13-0 winning streak. This game against Brewbaker Tech, located in Montgomery, Alabama, was no different, as the Rebels defeated them 21-0 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. These achievements are honorable; however, for such a new sport, it begs the question, how are the Rebels dominating the field so strongly? While there are certainly many reasons–coaching, plays, practice, and support– leadership and team bonding shine brightly.
Flag football is a team sport in its very nature, relying on the communication of all different positions to carry out plays and ultimately score points. This team aspect makes leaders incredibly important.
The Vestavia Hills Girl’s Flag Football team has 11 seniors: Christiana Belcher, Madison Blackburn, Emily Cooper, River Riley, Savannah Grayson, Holland Warren, Lindsay Green, Ella Stephens, Riley Newsome, Aubrey Martinez-Covington, Elizabeth Ann Cooper, Gabi Ramirez, Ariella Katigbak, Ally Perry, Maddie Hunsberger, and Scarlett Padget.
These seniors help to lead the team, driving them towards success. Senior River Riley, #19, has been named the defensive Most Valuable Player in 2021 and 2022, and she continues to lead the defense. River plays as a rusher and a stack, helping the defense allow zero points for Brewbaker Tech. Another notable senior leader is #12 Christiana Belcher. She plays guard and cornerback on the team, aiding the defense to a strong shut out.
Along with the team’s impressive statistics, the seniors create a sense of community and support within the team as well. Leadership is more than numbers, and it transfers to sportsmanship, communication, and friendship. Senior leaders have created a team culture this season that has brought them to the playoff season undefeated.
On Senior night, the 16 girls walked onto the field with their parents, being celebrated for not only their athleticism, but their leadership as well. With the Rebel win, the night was high-energy and sentimental, reflecting on the positive season the team had and continues to have. The team now has playoffs ahead of them, hoping to win a “Blue Map” with the help of their loved seniors.
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