Girls' Flag Football News

by: Girls Flag Football Contributor

North Allegheny traveled to Moon High School to take part in the first round and quarterfinal of the Girls Flag Football Playoffs. The Tigers were the No. 7 seed and drew a first round matchup with No. 10 Thomas Jefferson, which they won 36-0. In the quarterfinals, NA took on Moon and fell in a defensive struggle by a score of 6-0.

In the first round, the Tigers took it to the Jaguars with an impressive game on both sides of the ball. Leading the defense in tackles was junior Alyssa Coy with a season-high eight. Senior Macey Casten had two pick sixes, one in each half, to give North Allegheny the advantage. Casten also competed 12 passes on the offensive side of the ball. Several players had touchdowns and extra point conversions: Casten had two defensive touchdowns, senior Leah Skweres, sophomore Sloane Baker and freshman Brynn Hughey scored touchdowns while juniors Luci Zagacki and Vange Balouris had two conversions each. Juniors Mia Bosley and Maddie Williams led the team in carries with six a piece.

In the quarterfinal matchup with Moon, the entire game was a defensive struggle until Moon lobbed a pass in the corner of the end zone with 30 seconds left to get the only points of the game. Junior Danika Hogan single-handily slowed down Moon’s offense with her terrifying rush and ability to stop them from advancing the ball. Hogan had a season-high nine tackles, six of them for loss. “Danika has amazing defensive discipline, she is lightning fast and closes quickly on her opponents and rarely misses a flag in the backfield” said Coach Ruiz. Zagacki pulled down two interceptions in crucial moments of the game. “Luci has amazing hands and field vision for a first year player, teams are going to fear her again next year.” Williams carried the ball seven times and caught five passes. “Maddie is a heady, talented player who is gritty and is always where she needs to be, she is the reason our defense and offense is successful against teams like Moon. With Maddie’s dynamic play we can do much more as a team.”

North Allegheny finishes the season with a 12-2 record. Although the Tigers season has come to an end, we would like to thank our seniors Casten and Skweres for their leadership and commitment to the North Allegheny flag football team. Congrats to head coach Michelle Ruiz and all staff and players on another successful season!