Since the school opened, Flag Football has always been a big part of Grayslake North. The game focuses on football without tackles, but they must pull a flag from the opponent’s belt in order to score a point. This season mainly focused on companionship and getting comfortable playing the game! They fought many high schools this year, which include but are not limited to Grant, North Chicago, and St. Viator!
Like any sport, the start of the season was slow, Coach Kelly said, “but we really started moving the ball through the air from the middle of the season, and new contributors started to score touchdowns as we got to the end of the season, into the playoffs.” They ended with a total score of 1-13, but all that matters is that the team tried! This year in varsity, thirty-two people were on the roster; we talked to two people who stuck out.
Andrea Cervantes Alvardo was a team captain this season. We talked to her about how she thought the season went, and she had to say, “I think the team played really well this season. I wouldn’t change a thing.” This season made the team happy to play, even though they didn’t win many games! Alvardo’s highlights of the season included “scoring my first touchdown and scoring in every game.”
Yajaira Leanos was the average player this year, but played very well this season! “My team is amazing! I loved how we played this year—very direct, with such beautiful skill and teamwork. But what made my team truly special went beyond our abilities on the field. We always made sure to help one another and to take care of each other; my team is my family. There is nothing I would change about them. I love my team, and that will never change.” This season, Leanos was injured mid-season, but was also selected to be the Golden Knight! “I couldn’t make it to Senior Night because I had to get X-rays for my knees, which I injured during a game. I was very upset that I wouldn’t be there to cheer on the seniors who were leaving. I kept asking my dad if we could leave soon so I could at least make it to part of the game. When we finally returned, the game was still going on, so I made sure to support my team from the sidelines. When the game ended, I found out I had been chosen for the Golden Knight award! I was incredibly grateful and proud to receive that honor.”
Their win of the season was against North Chicago. The score ended at 46-0, becoming their best game of the season! Coach Kelly had to say, “This score does not reflect how dangerous the North Chicago team can be, and it was especially impressive to hold that team to no points scored.” Leanos also commented on the game. “Another memory I’ll never forget was our first win against North Chicago. The happiness I felt that day was indescribable—looking around and seeing all the smiles on my teammates’ faces, and then looking up to see our parents so proud of us, filled me with pure joy. That moment will stay with me forever.” Leanos was also selected for the Golden Knight award! “ When the game ended, I found out I had been chosen for the Golden Knight award! I was incredibly grateful and proud to receive that honor.”
