On Thursday, December 11, Issaquah high school’s flag football team started their season off strong with their first games of the 2025 season at Lake Washington High School. They stunned both audience members and opponents as they dominated the field, winning two back-to-back games against Juanita and Lake Washington. Their successes did not go unnoticed, with 1,000 dollars awarded to the Issaquah Flag football program by the Seahawks after their initial win against Juanita. The team focused on strong communication, along with their incredibly showcased offensive and defensive plays.
Going into the Juanita game, the energy in the stadium could not be dampened by the overwhelming darkness or pouring rain. The team got into their first tight huddle, determined to start the season off with plays that emphasized the hard work and dedication they have been putting into practice. To prepare, the team had watched some videos of their opponents to strategize plays more effectively. They were able to start off the game with some fairly basic plays, and their combination of interceptions and aggressive flag pulling put them in the lead early in the game. They were able to continue their momentum into the second half, finishing 21-7.
After their first game, the eagles did not have very much time to regroup, but junior running back Kylee Pachuillo says they used every moment possible to “keep a positive environment and encourage each other” because “no one plays well with a lot of pressure and yelling”. The first play of their game against Lake Washington started off rough with an interception, but the team was able to quickly recover. Ally Christensen led the team with three touchdown catches. Junior Aubreigh Wyatt recognized the importance of “staying dialed in, especially when we started to get tired”. The team’s fast footwork and strong throws secured a 35-0 win against Lake Washington.
According to junior Alex Solinsky, the implementation of girls’ flag football was not a seamless one. “Last year was kind of a difficult start, but the coaches work hard to make it a really supportive environment.” Throughout their game, the strong bonds they have formed as a team remain clear, and this plays a huge role in the making of a successful team. Returning to practics, the team will do their best to continue working hard, their sights set on winning the state championship. The Issaquah girls’ flag football team seems to have an amazing season ahead, as they continue to grow in skill, strength, and teamwork.
