2023-2024 News
NA Flag Football Gearing Up For 2024 Season
The North Allegheny girls’ flag football will open the season on Sunday, April 7, at Newman Stadium. The league decided to move from a 5v5 to a 7v7 format. The new format will change some of the rules and also the field dimensions in order to prepare for the sanctioning of Girls Flag Football as a Varsity sport this July.
Returning for their third and final season are seniors Shauna Maenza and Ally Ruiz, who will be a huge part of the team’s success yet again this year. Ruiz covered a lot of ground running the football for the Tigers. Ruiz led the team in yards and touchdowns with her quick feet and speed in the open field. She can also catch on the run to advance the ball up field quickly. Maenza led the team with catches last season. She is extremely successful in the no-run zone with her ability to run a clean route separating from the defense. Ruiz and Maenza also play both sides of the ball respectfully.
Returning as quarterback this season is senior Kyra Schmidt. Schmidt has great field vision and accuracy, as well as patience in the pocket. Her ability to move and throw on the run creates extra yards for our offense. Schmidt is also smart under pressure, and doesn’t create a lot of turnovers.
Leading the defensive attack will be seniors Maddie Hartung, Natalie Rak and Rylee Johnson. Hartung is one of the best pass rushers in the league. The pressure Hartung puts on the opposing team creates turnovers for opportunistic players like Rak and Ruiz. Rak and Ruiz play safety as will senior Mia Fratto. The ability of all three of them to anticipate the ball in the air is impressive. Johnson plays cornerback for the Tigers, and she leads the team in tackles. She has great technique when it comes settling her hips and covering receivers. Senior Bria Vivio will also give us valuable minutes on defense. Vivio has experience and is very coachable. The final first team Varsity roster spots will be filled by sophomore Maddie Williams and freshman Taryn DeWitt.
The Tigers will open the season on Sunday, April 7 against the Hampton Talbots at 1:00 p.m.
NA Participates In Showcase At Steelers Season Opener
The North Allegheny girls’ flag football team participated in a showcase event at the Pittsburgh Steelers season opener on Sunday, Sept. 10, against the San Francisco 49ers.
The NA girls’ flag football program faced off against Ellis School at halftime of Sunday’s NFL game on the 50-yard line in front of the fans at Acrisure Stadium. The co-captains for each team, including North Allegheny’s Ally Ruiz, walked onto the field with the Steelers captains for the pregame coin toss.
The Lady Tigers are coming off an impressive 2023 spring season with a 6-1 record in the Northern Division, losing only to Shaler (the 2022 Champs).