For the first time in school history, Sage Hill organized a flag football game on Ramer Field. The game held on Jan. 26 was a preview of what’s to come next fall. Girls’ flag football will be a CIF sport, allowing girls to compete competitively against other schools in the Pacific Coast League for the first time.
“This is my first time playing flag football and it has been such a fun experience. I can’t wait to join the Sage Hill team and play flag football next year, which is something I’d never thought I would do,” junior defensive player Ceyda Shamsai said.
School spirit was at an all-time high on Friday. Every grade showed their school spirit by repping their class colors. Students showed up to school early to decorate their bleacher section with colorful banners.
The flag football tournament was composed of freshman sophomores, juniors, and seniors all competing against each other to win not only the trophy, but pride for their grade. Each game was seven minutes long with no breaks.
The first game featured the freshman versus sophomores. The game was a nail-biter and ended with the sophomores winning.
“It was a tough game, but it was so exciting to see our hard work paying off,” sophomore wide receiver Alexia Beyrath said.
The second game, seniors versus juniors, was full of excitement. The seniors, having scored a touchdown on their first drive, looked like they were going to win, when the juniors scored a 50-yard touchdown in the last 30 seconds of the game.
The final game, sophomores versus juniors, kept the school on the edge of their seat. Both teams were unable to score, leading to the referees checking which team had more yards. They announced that the sophomores ended up with more yards, giving them the first girls’ flag football trophy in Sage Hill history.
“Although the tournament didn’t turn out as we hoped, we’re a strong team and I really look forward to playing again. We’ll get ‘em next year!” junior quarterback Haley Li said.
Synergy Dance Ensemble and Sage Hill Dance Team also put on exciting performances during halftime with a little help from English Teacher Jennifer Scott, History Teacher Jen Rothman and Science Teachers Dr. Todd Haney and Derek Shapiro.
Members of the Boys’ Football Team coached their grade’s flag football team, using their knowledge of the sport to help their team win it all.
Each grade-level team devised strategies that could give them an advantage on game day. Coaches even deployed some of the plays they use during the regular season and implemented them into their playbook.
“I’m excited to be part of this inaugural event,” junior coach Dylan Dolotta said.
