West Chicago Community High School’s first girls’ flag football season ended with a regional loss to Benet Academy. Even so, the Wildcats’ inaugural season exceeded expectations, and the senior players proudly flew their flags one last time.

For some, it was their first year at West Chicago Community High School; for others, it was their last. Students from every grade came together to form a team for a sport that demands speed, endurance, mental toughness — and, most importantly, teamwork.

Flag football was originally introduced in the 1940s, and since then, schools have hosted events like Powderpuff to give female athletes the chance to play. During Powderpuff, students volunteer to coach and participate, but this year marked the first time the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) officially sanctioned the sport for girls.

In February 2024, IHSA’s sanctioning of girls’ flag football made history, giving female athletes across the state the chance to experience the strategy and spirit of football — without the tackling. The sport’s big three “no’s” are simple: no tackling, no blocking, and no fumbles.

Many seniors reflected on their first — and final — season of flag football. Though there’s room to grow, the Wildcats’ first-ever team found success not only in competition but also in the bonds built along the way.

“I had no idea what to expect going into the season, and I don’t think any of us really knew,” senior Jessie Myers said. “You know, first-year team, first-year program, so I expected it to be fun, but it far exceeded my expectations.”

With 28 seniors on the roster, several emerged as key players, including Jessie Myers, Brissia Bucio and Fernessa Reyes.

“We’ve really accomplished a lot more than I expected,” senior Brissia Bucio said. “Our final game, though, was a little disappointing. I feel like we’ve played a lot better before.”

Junior quarterback Ella Moffatt looks for an open receiver as she carries the ball downfield against Benet Academy. Her leadership – and that of others – helped set the pace for the Wildcats’ first season.

“This season was a lot of fun — it was very exciting,” senior Hadassah Reyes said. “I expected that we weren’t going to be the best because this was our first year, but I think for a first-year team, we did really well.”

The Wildcats finished the season with a 6–13 record, but there is optimism for the program’s future as several underclassmen showed potential throughout the year.

“I think a lot of the problems we have on our team are results of not having enough experience,” Myers said. “That’s something the program is going to keep developing in the coming years.”

Although the season ended with a regional loss, the team’s sense of pride and camaraderie left a lasting mark. From early morning yoga sessions with Coach Ryba to late-night bus rides home, the players will remember the first — and last — season that started it all.

Revision
Oct. 8, 2025
The article was substantially updated to correct grammatical and AP Style errors, improve clarity, and strengthen transitions between sections.