Girls Flag Football closes the book on memorable 2024 season

Brooklynn Deckman - PCHS Bulletin

It was a historic season for the Girls Flag Football team, putting together a 10-5 record (including playoffs) and the program’s first appearance in a district championship game. 

Despite falling short in a 19-0 loss to district rival Braden River High School, the team has a lot of memories to look back on when recapping their season.  

When Head Coach Austin Henderson was asked about some strong players, two of the names he gave were receiver Jayna Bowen and quarterback Amelia Someson. 

The two freshmen entered the season not knowing what to expect, but they both knew they had to put the work in to earn respect. 

“I believe no one just walks on the team and is respected,” Bowen said. “Coming in as a freshman this was my time to earn respect as well as give it.” 

Bowen entered the season looking for a fresh start and the opportunity to build a foundation with the team. 

“I think our first couple games sent a message to other teams that we aren’t something to mess with,” she added. 

Someson explained the challenge behind adjusting to a new team with players and coaches she’d never been around before and needing to build a connection quickly. 

“Our season really started to improve once the team got more comfortable with each other,” Someson said. 

Both ended up gaining respect in just their first season, putting up incredible stats that led the team. Bowen led the team with 266 rushing yards and 640 receiving yards for 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Bowen was a regular threat for turnovers, leading the team with 8 interceptions.  

As for Someson, she completed 147 of 214 passes for 1,040 yards and a QB rating of 90.5. She also rushed for 140 yards and had 2 sacks on defense. 

“I improved on keeping my head in the game and focusing on the next play to try to be a leader for the team,” Someson said. 

That leadership may take the next level for next season, as Parrish’s flag football program has five seniors graduating in May. Three of them served as team captains. 

Seniors Madison Malanowicz (captain), Natalie Greenhaw (captain), Saniyah Hines (captain), Karina Sanchez, and Renay Mason were honored on senior night on March 21 in a 27-0 home win against Boca Ciega. 

The team remained close-knit all season long despite some obstacles. Bowen added that the team worked to ensure those obstacles didn’t affect their game. 

“We got past that and did our thing,” she said. 

When looking back, Someson’s favorite moment was the pre-game meals with the team. 

“We used this time to go over plays and get to know each other better and build a family,” Someson recalled. “I would not have gotten to know so many great people if it were not for this sport.” 

With a historic season behind them, the Parrish Flag Football team now looks ahead to next season, and confidence is high for everyone on the team. 

“Even though I will miss our seniors from this season and all they did for the team, I am excited to see what new talent joins us next year, and hopefully we will bring home the district title for Parrish Community,” Someson said. 

“I think we have already built a name for ourselves, but this is just the beginning,” Bowen said. “There are always improvements to be made, but we will just keep on getting better and better.” 

“Heading into next season I have nothing but good thoughts on how it will go. I know that I have confidence in what we are able to do, and we are only going to go up from here.” 

Henderson said “the future is bright” for the growing flag football program, and things can only go up for next season.