Jr High Flag Football Season Highlights

The Lancers Jr. High Flag Football team had a successful 10-1 season, coming back and getting the 32-21 win in the championship game against Pleasant Valley, who squeaked out a narrow 14-13 win over Grace last season.  The Lancers entered the game against Pleasant Valley confidently as last year's championship loss was close and they were missing a key player.

The Grace team this season was composed of six 8th graders and nine 7th graders, so the team will be in good hands next season as well. 

Cody Bird led the team at QB, with some top receivers (Mason Shaw, Tyler Bierend, Sammy Forzini and Shane Smith) making big time catches to dominate this season. Opponents recognized and respected the threat of the deep ball from Cody Bird, causing them to give up the middle of the field for our Lancers to attack. Strikes over the middle of the field to Sammy and Shane led to deep ball TD's to Mason and Tyler. Eric Thomsen also made his mark at QB with his speed and arm, helping add to the total TD count. The Lancers offensive line was like a wall with Black Ouellete anchoring us at center and with Kaden Shonafelt, Jacob Black, Jackson Strong and AK Kenny adding to that wall to protect our QB's while also catching important passes to make first downs. 

Along with The Lancers offensive dominance, their defense, led by Coach Ouellette, was a force to be reckoned with. Grace came out with several different defensive packages to keep the opposing teams guessing. The speed and size of their defensive line always kept the pressure on the other team. Grace linebackers, corners and safeties, time and time again came up with big plays in tight games to lead them to victory.  Grace defense had an interception in every game they played this season with Mason Shaw leading the INT race. Mason Mahoney and Nico DiScuilo's speed proved to be overwhelming for their opponents on defense which constantly flustered teams. 

Coach Bird commented about the team, "There was so much growth this season in all our players, especially in first time players Jacob Black and John Furrow. Jacob's speed on the defensive line caused a lot of confusion for the opposing offense and John's timely catches, coming out from center, made a big impact. Mateo Espinoza had a broken arm for most of the season but was able to make the final two games and added even more speed and another set of hands to the receiving core. We expect to see great things from him next season as an 8th grader with a full season to play.  This is a great group of boys who learned the value of playing as a team to end up on top. No player is more important than the other. Understanding the concept that every player has a role and job to do to make this team successful."

The Lancers Jr. High Flag Football team is lead by a great set of coaches; Coach Tim Bird and Coach Ouelette with Coach Thomsen and Coach Heidi Bird helping out as well. Congratulations to the team and all the coaches for a successful season.  For more information about Grace Sports, click here.