Flag Football’s Tough Loss Shapes Goals for the Rest of the Season

Maya Tedini and Parmin Zamani | October 2, 2023 | 112 Views

Wide receiver and sophomore Zoe Del Rosario attempts to evade two of Northwood High’s players as they try to pull her flag. To improve for future games, head flag football coach Julie Primero said that the team needs to work on their catching and communication with each other.

Flag football (4-10-1) lost 0-21 in a home game against Northwood High on Sept. 25. Their next game is a home game on Oct. 9 against Woodbridge High.

During the first half, the Bulldogs had less offensive possessions and were not able to complete fourth-downs as easily, resulting in turnovers. The Timberwolves started the game with a touchdown. Head flag football coach Julie Primero said defensive communication is something the team is working on during practices.

“We just didn’t play up to our potential,” Primero said. “I think we planned for a lot of things, but we just came out really flat with no energy today. We just have to be ready to go as soon as we step on the field.”

The Timberwolves began the second half with possession of the ball, but the Bulldogs were able to force a fumble and turnover after their fourth down. However, the Bulldogs ran the ball back into their own endzone during the offensive possession and the Timberwolves were able to pull the flag, securing them a two point safety.

“I was disappointed with the lack of effort and intensity,” wide receiver and senior Vianna Pineda said. “That wasn’t the best reflection of who we are as a team and what we can do. But, we could just build from that. It’s kind of hard, but we’re working on it. We’re new but it’s not an excuse.”

Following the Timberwolves’ safety, defensive back and sophomore Aleena Advani intercepted the ball, but the Bulldogs did not regain possession until they secured another interception soon after. They had possession of the ball until a fumble. Advani said the team will come back together and talk the game over in practice, especially since they did not play as well as they usually do.

“As a defense, we weren’t able to keep up with them,” Advani said. “We missed a lot of flags. We missed a lot of catches. We never gave up. We ran until the clock was finished.”

With little over five minutes left of the game, the Timberwolves scored another touchdown. The team will likely work on catching and starting off future games with high energy, according to Advani.

“I’m just looking forward to our team being healthy and being able to come together more and gel as a team,” Primero said. “I’m looking forward to the second half of the season, because I think we can bounce back as long as we take care of those little things.”

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About the Contributors

Maya Tedini, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Maya Tedini is an Editor-in-Chief for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. She’s looking forward to creating memories with this year’s wonderful staff and connecting with new groups in the community. When she’s not scouring through an interview recording of an inspiring student she has just met, you can find her listening to music, that may or may not all be by Gracie Abrams, reading, at cheer practice or deeply invested in crafting her Pinterest boards.

Parmin Zamani, Co-Managing Editor

Parmin Zamani is the Co-Managing Editor for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. After arriving extremely early to second period (yes, she is never late!) with a cup of coffee in hand, she is looking forward to kickstarting the news team and covering the presidential election to bring more civic engagement to Portola High. When she’s not responding to yet another message about missing beats, you can find her reading, sneaking in a quick nap or screaming the lyrics to all her favorite songs in the car.

Hannah Ko, Opinion Editor

Hannah Ko is the Opinion Editor for her third and final year on the Portola Pilot. This year, she is excited to create meaningful opinion stories especially important to the Portola High community with the new Editorial Board. When she’s not hurrying to get interviews, she can be found on a run, at track practice, going to beaches or listening to Daniel Caesar (and the rest of her immaculate playlists).