After weeks of anticipation and nearly two months of steady training, the Juniors and Seniors finally stepped onto the field on November 23 for this year’s Girls Football game.

Both teams had practiced once a week since October, determined to earn a repeat senior victory or a long-awaited junior comeback.

As game day approached, players from both teams, along with Coach Carrai, co-leading the senior team, reflected on their preparation, emotions, and the energy surrounding one of the school’s most spirited events.

In the hours leading up to kickoff, confidence ran high among the seniors.

Senior Ashley McCann credited much of that energy to a motivating pre-game talk.

“I’m feeling great, especially after yesterday’s speech from the coach, giving us tips on how to improve for the game,” McCann said.

“It really got us going.”

Her teammate, Senior Lila Balster, echoed that sense of readiness.

“I think last practice solidified all the confidence. I’m excited and I’m going to show up three hours early to really lock in,” Balster said.

The seniors carried lessons from the previous season into this year.

After losing to last year’s senior team, the returning players were determined to rewrite the story.

“I feel like it really prepared us for the win we’re going to have today,” McCann said.

“It got us motivated to improve from last year.”

Balster added that their coach’s concern helped fuel their competitive edge.

“Mr. Hooker was worried we weren’t going to beat the seniors last year. I feel like it lit that fire under us and got us ready to get better and get the win today.”

Preparation didn’t come lightly. For some players, commitment meant going beyond regular practices.

“We have shown up to every practice. I’ve been practicing with my brother before and after practice just to prepare myself for the game,” McCann said.

Balster believes communication greatly shaped their progress:

“We’ve just been making sure we’re communicating as a team… trying our hardest to feel more confident during the game.”

While the seniors focused on redemption and cohesion, the juniors entered the game ready to challenge a tough, experienced team.

Junior Phoebe Klein described the intensity on the field once the game began.

“It was a rough play by the seniors since a lot of their players were very strong, but it was fun, and we had a good time.”

Despite the challenge, the juniors took pride in their effort.

“We were proud of the time we spent on the field attacking and putting our practice into play,” Klein said.

“We really tried to get hyped up and played music in the locker room to get in the zone,” Klein said.

Klein credits the positive attitude of their coaches throughout the game to their perseverance.

“They really cheered us on from the sidelines and gave us tips whenever we got off the field,” Klein said.

Even after a tough matchup, her enthusiasm for the sport hasn’t faded in the slightest.

“I would definitely play again next year so we can get a chance to beat the [class of 2028].”

As both teams walked off the field at the end of the game with another senior victory, the outcome was only part of the story.

The months of growth, teamwork, dedication, and the shared excitement of game day made this year’s Girls Football more than just a competition; it was a tradition that connected players, coaches, and the school community.

Whether senior dominance continues next year or the juniors claim their long-awaited victory, one thing is certain: the spirit of Girls Football isn’t going anywhere.