After opening their inaugural season with three consecutive losses, Poly’s girls flag football team has turned its early struggles into success, claiming its first Prep League co-championship alongside Village Christian School. Through improved communication, stronger team chemistry and consistent practice, the Panthers made significant strides throughout the season. Although their second and final postseason game on Saturday, Oct. 24 ended in a 20-43 loss to Village Christian, the team’s progress has been undeniable and will likely carry on to future years.
The Panthers secured their first victory of the season with a commanding 39-0 win over Ramona Convent Secondary School on Monday, Sept. 14. Since then, Poly has improved its overall record to 8-6. During their 31-14 victory over Westridge High School on Tuesday, Oct. 6, senior captain and quarterback Brynn Connolly completed 22 of 30 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore receivers Sophia Katanjian-Gonzalez and Lori Ohanian added 120 and 100 receiving yards, respectively.
The team’s early losses presented challenges for a program still learning to compete together. Rather than allowing those defeats to discourage them, the Panthers approached each game as an opportunity to identify weaknesses and improve their skills. Reflecting on the team’s response to setbacks, sophomore wide receiver Calla Sim explained, “Every loss, we just work on plays that went wrong.”
As the season progressed, the team’s growing chemistry became particularly evident on offense. Players improved their ability to recognize developing plays, anticipate teammates’ movements and coordinate their decisions. Sim shared, “Our ability to read the game has gotten a lot better. The team now has a lot better team chemistry.”
Despite these improvements, the Panthers have continued to face defensive challenges, particularly with communication and maintaining coverage. “We lack a lot of communication,” Sim acknowledged. To address these weaknesses, players have focused on pulling flags, pursuing interceptions and strengthening their defensive positioning as they prepare for more competitive match-ups.
Underclassmen have also played an important role in the team’s development, contributing on both sides of the field. Sophomore receiver Lori Ohanian has emerged as an important offensive contributor, recording 30 receptions and eight touchdowns this season. Sim explained, “I think all of the underclassmen have really stepped up this year.” Their contributions have strengthened the Panthers’ lineup while establishing a foundation for future seasons.
Beyond individual performances, the Panthers have emphasized the importance of supporting one another and developing stronger relationships on the field. As players have become more familiar with their teammates’ playing styles, their communication and coordination have improved. The team’s cohesion, enthusiasm and determination never fail to shine through each of their games.
Connolly shared, “I think our team does an awesome job rallying together and keeping one another motivated throughout our easy and hard games.”
The team’s progress is particularly significant given the program’s recent establishment. Competing against schools with more experienced flag football teams, the Panthers have demonstrated their ability to challenge established opponents. Reflecting on the team’s accomplishments, Sim stated, “I’m really proud of the team,” noting that the Panthers have beaten opponents whose flag football programs have existed for considerably longer.
Despite the challenges of building a new program, the Panthers have shown that growth extends beyond wins and loses. As the team looks ahead to future seasons, the experience gained during its inaugural year will certainly provide a foundation for continued success and improvement.
“I’m excited to watch us continue to dominate in the future, and can’t wait to see what our program will develop into,” said Connolly.
