Emily Gluskin

Team huddle before kicking off the game

Girls’ flag football was approved as a sanctioned sport by the CIF earlier this year. With it came the formation of the first Oak Park High School team. They played their first game on the night of Aug. 24, bringing home victory, and setting an excellent tone for the rest of the season.

Head coach Shawn Alikian was immensely impressed with the enthusiasm and skill of the team.

“It’s been incredible, this is a great group of girls,” Shawn Alikian said. “Our girls from Oak Park are super talented, and athletic, they work well together as teammates. They’ve been learning tremendously all season.”

Many of the girls on the team are excited and eager to finally participate in a sport they have enjoyed for years.

“I’ve always watched football, my brothers played football, I’m part of a football family,” senior Ema Alikian said. “I’ve always been jealous of my brothers so it’s so much fun coming out and actually playing.”

There was a collective sense of fulfillment and accomplishment from the team.

“I can’t even describe the pride that I feel in my team, and the girls, and the school,” junior Jayden Bellemeur said.

The team received a warm welcome to the OPHS community drawing in a large crowd the evening of the game.

“The fact that we had an actual crowd today is an amazing feeling,” Ema Alikian said.

Along with the numerous amounts of students showing a desire to join.

“There was a ton of interest, 50 girls came out for the team and we’re carrying 25,” Shawn Alikian said.

Come support girls’ flag football at their next game on Aug. 30 at Royal High School.