Flag football (2-9) lost 7-26 in a home game against Sage Hill High on Sept. 13. The team hopes to put their best effort into the practices leading up to their next home game against Woodbridge High on Sept. 30th.
During the first half of the game, the Bulldogs started off strong by scoring a touchdown, but the Lightning quickly countered the Bulldogs’ offensive run by scoring three touchdowns.
“I think, because this is a new sport, we’re all in the learning process together,” wide receiver and senior Malaika Fawzi said. “So it’s kind of fun being able to learn together.”
The Bulldogs’ defense picked up the pace in the second half. With two seconds left of their play and 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Bulldogs’ offense was close to scoring a second touchdown until the ball was intercepted by the Lightning. A minute later, cornerback and junior Devenny Ramirez blocked a pass by the Lightning. Even as the Lightning scored another touchdown, the Bulldogs continued to cheer each other on, shouting words of encouragement and advice.
“Whatever happened in today’s game, we’ll turn around and focus on the things that we need to improve on,” head flag football coach Julie Primero said.
This is only the second year flag football has been included as a sport in the Pacific Coast League and the CIF. Although the players are more familiar with this new sport, it has been a rough start to the season for Portola High, according to Fawzi.
“[We] came into the game hoping to come out with a win, and I think things kind of weren’t for us,” Fawzi said. “We were making some silly mistakes.”
Despite it being Fawzi’s first season, she is an integral part of the team, bringing leadership and enthusiasm to the field, according to Primero.
“She plays on both sides of the field and she brings leadership to the team,” Primero said. “I think also from the time that she started till now she’s learned something new every game.”
While this loss can be discouraging for the team, the Bulldogs view the game as a learning opportunity. Primero said the team is dedicated to constantly improving their performance by prioritizing their shortcomings in the next practice.
“The athleticism of people and the interest and all that was more this year,” Primero said. “I just feel like we’re in a better place than we were last year, but we’re always trying to improve.”
