The FVHS Flag Football team is currently 5-1 and ranked No. 2 in the state of NC. It has taken a lot of work for them to get here, and they are continuing to move forward.
It’s only the third year of the program, and the Bengals have proven that dedication and passion can create something special in a short amount of time.
“It makes me feel really proud,” said junior Ella Gratz. “I’ve been playing this sport since my freshman year, and seeing it grow is such a big accomplishment for my team and the sport in general.”
The Bengals have faced some very tough opponents leading up to this point; however, those challenges have yet to tear their spirits.
Their most recent game was against the No. 8 ranked team, Southeast Raleigh High School. It was a back-and-forth battle, but the Bengals pulled through with a 2-0 win.
“It was our really good defense against their fast offense, which was tough for us,” said Gratz.
The Bengals had several game-turning moments, including the late-game sack by sophomore Jayda Ours and the interception from sophomore Maverick Grimsley.
“Working together and not getting down on each other is the key, so we have to keep working hard,” said Grimsley.
Some challenges the team is currently facing are flag-pulling and communication. They have been working on these obstacles in practice and are working on executing them better in-game.
The Bengals had some tough games against schools like Middle Creek and Green Hope, testing their determination and grit. Even though they won both games, it helped them realize that every game counts.
“We need to put our best foot forward and treat every game like it’s the last one,” said senior Ammirah McFarland.
Because this program is so new to FVHS, it is important that the Bengals learn to come together in order to leave their mark on our school. Each practice and game is an opportunity to learn and grow, while also making history.
“It feels really good knowing I can be a part of something special like that,” said sophomore Kyla Keenan.
The pressures of being No. 2 have affected the team’s mentality for the better. It has motivated them to play even harder, knowing that all eyes are on them.
It is important not to let the anxieties of being ranked so high get to them and instead use that as a determination to outplay their opponents and prove why they are ranked so high.
“We need to try and be more aggressive, especially because more teams will be out for us now,” said senior Nyla Robinson-Partridge.
Their next game is Sept. 30 against Cleveland High School at 4 p.m. at Southeast Raleigh High School. Make sure to come out and support your FVHS flag football team.
