The high school girls flag football season has started, and there are some intriguing area games that will be taking place this week.
This is the second season that girls flag football is being offered in the CIF Southern Section and L.A. City Section, and the sport is growing at a fast clip. There has been an increase in the number of teams in both sections, and this year the CIF-SS has added championship games.
For now, teams are focused on getting on the field for their opening games, knowing that Week 1 can help set the tone for the rest of the season.
Here is a look at a few key matchups to watch this week:
Westlake at Camarillo, Wednesday, 7:15 p.m.
While some teams still have to wait a bit longer to play their first game, Westlake gets the first crack at a new season. The Warriors are coming into the season as the reigning Marmonte League champions and look to defend their title.
Even though it lost 12 starters from last season, the team’s confidence is through the roof.
“It’s championship or bust, that’s always my motto,” Warriors head coach Brandon Alexander said. “That’s what I coach for. I don’t teach at Westlake. I am a flag football coach and I want to win. I go into every season with the same mindset, which is to win a championship and get a ring. I think we have the pieces to get us there so I’m excited to get this started.”
The hard-hitting desire for victory is exemplified through Melaina Servé. The senior, who earned second-team All-Marmonte honors last season, knows they have a bigger target on their back but is ready to take it one game at a time.
“The mentality is to keep our heads up high and to not go into a game thinking you’re going to win,” said Servé. “Go into it thinking you’re still going to have to fight for your spot. Fight for your victory. Nothing is going to be given to us this year. We’re coming in with a different team and I think we’re going to be successful if we all work together.”
Channel Islands at Oak Park, Tuesday, 13, 6:30 p.m.
Oak Park finished in first place last season in the Channel League with a 6-2 league record. The Eagles beat out Royal and Camarillo by one game for the title and look to repeat their success this season.
Like the Warriors, the Eagles have kept their focus on preparing to win every game.
Eagles head coach Shawn Alikian is confident his team will continue to improve.
“Every season is new. Especially in high school, you don’t know who’s coming (out for the team),” said Alikian. “We focus on preparation and execution. We go over plays so we can reach perfection. Even with the seniors we had graduating (from last season’s team), we feel with the preparation we can beat anybody.“
Oxnard at Thousand Oaks, Thursday, 4 p.m.
The success that Westlake and Newbury Park had last season made Thousand Oaks hungry for a better showing this year. The Lancers have a lot to prove but can be the sleeper team to stop the Warriors from repeating as league champions.
Sherman Oaks CES at Panorama, Friday, 4 p.m.
Panorama was one of the area teams that went through growing pains last season. It hopes to turn things around, and begins the new season by taking on Sherman Oaks CES in its first game.
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