The girls flag football team is a recent addition to the Venice athletics family, and after last year’s western championship win, they’re looking to run it back again. The only thing that’s missing from last season are the now-graduated seniors.
Briana Vestal, the flag football coach, is confident they have the same key factors as last year. “The one thing that took us to the championship was the girls, and just them showing up to practice and being consistent.”
Team Captain Khalia Rodriguez is also optimistic about the season.
“We have a lot more chemistry because we have girls with more experience on the team,” she said.
The flag football team is also adjusting to new rules this season.
“You can block now, but you have to make sure that you aren’t going out of your way knocking into them,” Vestal said. “With each game it seems like different refs have different ways of calling things.”
The team plays Fairfax, 2-6, next on October 16th, and for Team Captain Samantha Moreno, it’s all about growth. “I’m just curious to see how much more we can improve”
The Gondos also have an upcoming rematch against Westchester, 4-2, on October 20th.
“They’re the next best competition in the league,” said Moreno. “I’m excited for that game.”
Venice has a rematch against LACES, 1-4, coming up on October 27th too. Quarterback Avery Wind wants to keep the energy up.
“Our team is on such a roll right now, and I can’t wait to just go in there and bring that same vibe to every game,” she said.
The team has already played 8 games this season. They played Westchester on October 6, winning the game 33-0. Wind had an impressive game, throwing a 75-yard touchdown pass to Rodriguez. That game improved their overall record to 4-0 and their league record to 5-1.
The flag football team also beat University High School on October 3, with an end score of 20-0. Crucial flag pulls on 4th downs secured a no-score game.
Rodriguez is confident the Gondos will find success in the postseason.
“This year I want to have a better run in the playoffs, maybe win a Division 1 championship,” she said.
