The first ever girls flag football team in Lakes history is scoring their way to a winning season. They will continue to defend their record by playing together as a team and by working hard in practice. Maintaining this record comes with a lot of responsibilities. Seniors, Emily Ovaska, Josephine Larson, and Lily Greenfield get to hold these responsibilities as the team’s captains.
Greg Lyons, the head coach for the girls flag football team, was a former head coach for the freshman/sophomore boys football team. He has always wanted to become a varsity head coach, so when he saw an opening, he knew he had to take it.
“I thought it was a unique opportunity… and [to be able to] start the program in the way that I want it to be done,” said Coach Lyons.
According to seniors Ovaska, Larson, and Greenfield, Antioch and Waucanda were their toughest competition yet. As a new team they were nervous, but despite the stiff competition, the girls pulled together and worked as one to beat both schools 20-6. This win put their record at 14-3. “[We] do our best every single play, every snap, and every route,” Greenfield said.
The Eagles continue to have fun on and off the field. Captain and starting quarterback gives insight into the team’s chemistry.
“We are always laughing throughout practices…[and] we all feel comfortable around each other,” Ovaska said.
Even Coach Lyons says the chemistry on the team could not be better. “[the girls] sing on the bus before and after games,” he said.
Coach Lyons has made many favorite memories this year. One of his favorites was when the girls scored their first ever touchdown. A junior, Makayla Williams, ran the ball 99 yards making the first touchdown in Lakes Girls Flag Football history. “She took the ball and made people miss [her flag] and took it to the crib,” stated Coach Lyons.
Currently the girls are 14th in the state and 78th nationally. These rankings are just visuals behind this team’s positive mindsets and their bright visions for the season.
“Our goals are high, but we are hoping to make it to state and win,” said Larson.
This is the first ever flag football team Lakes has had, and the team continues to set high expectations for future seasons.
Lilly Greenfield: a senior and a captain for the flag football team. Greenfield plays both offense and defense. “She can do it all,” expressed Coach Lyons. Greenfield has achieved a total of 24 points this season, and averages two points per game.
“[We] do our best every single play, every snap, and every route,” Greenfield said.
Emily Ovaska: is a senior captain for the girls. She is the team’s starting quarterback. “Can’t say how lucky I am to have a quarterback like Emily,” stated Coach Lyons. Ovaska has thrown for 1090 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Josephine Larson: is a senior captain for the team. She has started every game playing at center, snapping the ball every play. “She’s crucial to what we do,” said Coach Lyons. Larson is a great advocate for the girls and she scored her first ever touchdown against Grayslake North.
