SOMERS, N.Y. - Last season, after Somers flag football opened with several losses, the Tuskers reached the sectionals and did more than just show up in the first round when they beat Panas 32-0.
“The whole team was jumping around,” said Rebecca Lippolis. But even though the Tuskers were the team with the donut in the next round, one senior leader conveys the consensus for this year’s prospects.
“We have high hopes for the season,” said Julia Schmidberger.
A two way player, the Tusker is in the scheme of things with an addition to the coaching staff. “We’ve got a new coach on defense. Coach Albano, he’s been super helpful to us because it was one of our weakest parts last year,” said Schmidberger.
The safety, her game has gone up a notch as a result. “You have to know to watch every single player - the ball, the quarterback, the runners, everything,” she said.
No rest on the other side, Schmidberger looks forward to connecting again with her quarterback. When eye contact is made with Natalia Antonecchia, sparks fly. “She feels compelled to pass,” said the receiver.
On the other side of the field, Chloe Harris has her own chemistry with Antonecchia and solidifies the bond by turning on the burners. “I like getting past people,” she described the adrenaline rush.
Also on the run, Cara Persico does her thing without a first class ticket. “I see the holes, and I guess where they are going before they do it,” said the running back.
Olivia Wiegand, on the other hand, gave up finding the holes for filling them. “I started as a running back and switched to cornerback,” said the junior.
She keeps it simple either way. “My job is to have my eye on the wide receivers,” said Wiegand.
Of course, the defender knows there’s no place for going it alone. “We have to rely on each other and play our own part to get the job done,” Wiegand said.
In this, Wiegand sees the synergy translating to wins. “Our team is going to be really strong and really successful,” she concluded. “We have a great set of girls."
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