By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Going into a new venture in many ways, the unknown proved plenty satisfying for the girls’ flag football team at Southeast Alamance.
The debut of the sport for Alamance County schools came last week when five teams gathered at Eastern Alamance.
“It was a great environment and everyone was cheering,” Southeast sophomore Katie Lloyd said. “It pumped us all up. . . It’s such a new sport and amazing how many people are supporting it.”
Southeast won its first two games, topping Northwood 18-12 and ending the session by defeating Eastern 26-12.
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That latter result included a receiving and rushing touchdown from Lloyd, who also had an interception.
“It was amazing,” said Tatum Shelton, who played quarterback for Southeast. “I’m glad I got to do it.”
Janay Pegram said her biggest thrill was scoring the first Southeast touchdown. It came on a long run.
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Eastern’s highlight came on Lesli Hernandez’s interception return for a touchdown.
The amount of enthusiasm on the field was evident, with the noise level regularly rising.
“Just feeling the energy,” Southeast coach Tiffany Helton said. “The girls were real excited about the opportunity. They came out here and learned a lot.”
Eastern coach LeConndra Curry, who also coaches girls’ basketball at the school, said there were hectic elements to the first night.
“It was a lot going on from the beginning,” Currie said. “It felt I was adjusting every play to something. We’re all learning.”
Eastern lost 20-8 to Jordan-Matthews in its first game. Yet there was pride for the Eagles despite the results.
“Being part of the first class that has played,” sophomore receiver Halee Roberts said. “We’re going to do better.”
Softball standout Edie Stewart was used as Eastern’s quarterback.
“We just realized she could throw the ball,” Currie said.
Shelton said it was good that so many Southeast teammates were receiving targets. Alexis Marte made one of the touchdown catches.
Helton, who coaches softball as well, said the tempo of flag football caught her off guard without natural between-pitch and between-inning breaks.
“This was really, really fast paced,” she said.
The five competing schools, also including Seaforth, are scheduled to meet weekly with locations rotating with game-night formats similar to the initial night of action. This week’s game was rescheduled for Monday night at Southeast.
