It’s a new beginning as Richard Montgomery takes on their first-ever girls’ varsity flag football team. These student-athletes not only have a “rocket” logo on their uniforms, but they are also some of the first to represent women in football throughout Montgomery County.
In their first game appearance, Richard Montgomery hosted several teams within MCPS. The kickoff day consisted of three games; Sherwood HS vs. Rockville HS, followed by Springbrook HS vs. Einstein, and finally Gaithersburg HS vs. Richard Montgomery HS. Not only did this bring positive talk among girls throughout the school hallways, but MCPS girls’ flag football caught the eyes of the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens.
The team started strong, dominating against Gaithersburg, winning 28-6. The bleachers were packed with RM fans, NFL staff, and cheerleaders. However, this win did not come easily, as many players on the team had never touched a football before this season. “Being the first team in a new sport is difficult because the entire team has to learn how to play and all the rules and everything, so we have to slowly but surely figure out what works and what doesn’t,” junior quarterback Emerson Koenig said. “I expected it to be a lot easier to learn the rules but I came to realize that there was so much more,” senior Meredith Kearns said.
New head coach Jonathan Mensah echoed the same excitement and potential he’s seen in his players. “This season is going great. Learning the game with the girls and being a voice of coaching to them has been nothing but the best,” coach Mensah said. As for the community’s support, “The RM crowd has been nothing but the best. They bring out the Rocket pride for us, and it makes us play even harder,” Mensah said.
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the team hopes to not only win as many games as possible but also grow a close-knit culture and improve from week to week. “I really want to get to know the team better off and on the field and to focus on improving our offense and defense while having fun at practice,” junior Hayden Williams said. In addition, the team hopes to inspire others to play this sport and grow it across the country. “I feel really significant that I’m one of many teams in Montgomery County and the US. I’m inspiring and motivating people to try flag football,” sophomore Candice Dondon said.
If you would like to voice your opinion on an issue you feel is relevant to our community, please do so here. Anyone is able and welcome to submit a Letter to the Editor, regardless of journalistic experience or writing skills. Submissions may be published either online or in a print issue.
