CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - On Friday, Nov. 28, SCC Flag Football hosted its 5th Annual Women’s Thanksgiving Shootout at Contest Field in Cross River.
With more than 100 women participating, the level of play and competition continues to rise each year, according to League Director Adam Kern. But one important tradition remains constant.
“We are again raising money benefiting Love Holds Life Children’s Cancer Society,” Kern said.
The organization, run by founder and CEO Richard Senato, has long benefited from the event. Senato expressed his appreciation for Kern’s continued support.
“Adam is like a brother to me,” he said.
Sisters in sport for the day, players like Katie Schulte of the Peach Lake Pounders brought both skill and chemistry to the field. Schulte, who was sharp at quarterback, credited her receivers for making the offense click. “We’ve got tall girls and we’ve got speed,” said the North Salem resident.
Receiver Jamie Laurino agreed, sending the praise right back.
“We call her Katie the Cannon,” said the fellow North Salem player.
Watching from the sidelines, Jim Murphy joked that he wouldn’t last long out there. “I’d be laid up already,” he said with a laugh. But he also pointed out the lasting impact the event has on families. “It shows their daughters that you can play at any age.”
The sons noticed, too. Colin Hanaburgh watched proudly as his mom soared for catches at wide receiver. He summed it up in one word: “Confidence.”
For the Saucy Mamas, simply taking the field was an accomplishment—especially since the players had just met.
“We’re misfits,” said North Salem’s Juliska Martino. Her teammate Stephanie Hendrick echoed the sentiment. “We’re having tons of fun,” she said.
A more seasoned squad, Coming in Hot, relied on their established chemistry.
“We’re a fun group of women with a lot of grit and determination,” said Kim Lando of Bedford Hills.
For many players, the tradition of Thanksgiving morning football is part of the appeal. “There’s nothing better than waking up early on Thanksgiving to play,” said Theresa Ricci.
Show Us Your TDs found themselves on a collision course with Coming in Hot—a matchup fueled in part by shared roots. “A lot of us are Somers football moms,” said cornerback Jen Ecke. Proud of her role, Ecke described her defensive mindset: “I have one eye on the target, and I’m like a dog with the ball. I’ve got to go get it.”
But on this day, Coming in Hot controlled the turnover battle, pulling down several interceptions. Wide receiver Brittany Deieso credited Ricci with turning those takeaways into points.
“She just lets it loose and makes it easy for everyone,” she said.
Win or lose, players agreed that the true victory was supporting a meaningful cause.
“We’re all proud to be here for a great cause,” said Amanda Defeo of Mahopac.
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