As the new school year kicks off, Gabrielino High School debuts its first-ever flag football team, which has already dominated the field by defeating previously undefeated opponents.
Senior Grace Jarquin shared how the team feels and whether there is any pressure in starting a new tradition likely to be carried on for years to come.
“I feel like since it is a first-year team, we don’t have that much pressure compared to other people who have been playing for years,” Jarquin said. “I don’t think that expectation is there, but I do know that any expectations that people did have were exceeded.”
Jarquin added that when the team first faced CIF champions Arroyo flag football, they won 38-0.
“I think a very important role in our team and our dynamic is the quarterback, because she is the one who makes the plays,” she said.
“The way our team plays is like they want to win—you know they want to win—and they try to work for it,” she said. Jarquin also highlighted senior Sarah Velasquez’s performance on Sept. 8, noting that she scored a touchdown and played an exceptional game.
Jarquin also praised sophomore Chloe Trieu for her speed and agility, which she said disoriented opposing players and gave Gabrielino the upper hand.
One of the flag football captains, senior Sydney Martel, also shared her thoughts. Martel explained that the title of “team captain” rotates between games, allowing each member of the team to experience leadership, which she said helps relieve some of the pressure.
Martel also noted that the team’s reversible jerseys have sparked complaints because “they are double-layered, so they’re 10 times hotter.” She expressed hope that in future seasons, the team will receive enough funding for separate home and away jerseys instead of the current combination that she said is uncomfortable for players.
Martel also praised her teammate, “Scrag” (Grace Jarquin), calling her the “G.O.A.T” for her nobility and sportsmanship.
So far, the flag football team has felt little pressure as it builds its place among returning sports. As the season progresses, the players hope to strengthen their bonds and aim for a CIF championship.
