Coaches and students step into new roles as they prepare for the first ever season of girls flag football

Photos by Kush Santosh, Staff Writer

Nikki Skyer, Sports Editor

After being offset by COVID-19 and countless logistical challenges, the inaugral season for the girls’ flag football team is finally underway. The idea was originally introduced by the Atlanta Falcons as a way of getting girls involved in football, as it is not typically an option for them. Three years ago, high schools across Forsyth County implemented a new program, which quickly grew popular. The idea floated around for several years, and the option to participate in such a program was finally given to Fulton County schools last year. However, due to social distancing guidelines, it was not viable for many to bring in a brand-new sport at a time when so many students were not even in the building for classes. 

“This was mostly a county decision, and then the schools based participation on resources and capabilities,” Head coach Tom Kratowicz said. “It was brought to all the athletic directors, and from there, an area of teams was set up that we are now able to schedule games with.”

Given Coach Kratowicz’s athletic backgrounds in football and baseball, he  was quick to jump at this new coaching opportunity. The idea intrigued him, and he enjoyed the idea of getting back to his roots in football, but without the extensive time constraints of the regular boys’ season. The group of assistant flag football coaches includes Wesley Henderson, who has experience coaching baseball with Kratowicz and learned about the concept of girls’ flag football through him.

“Coach Kratowicz asked if I would join the staff, and I was happy to do so,” Henderson said. “It’s already been the most fun coaching experience I’ve had. The girls all have great attitudes, and we all want to win, but it’s pretty laid back and we really emphasize creating a good atmosphere.”

Tryouts began at the end of September and saw roughly 40 attendees, a pleasant surprise and source of optimism for coaches. Many schools in the region were unable to gain enough interested players for a team, but Northview will now have both varsity and junior varsity teams. One player, senior Ahmara Register, had an enjoyable experience at tryouts and is feeling great about the season.

“It’s really just fun. The people especially make the environment really positive,” Register said. “The coaches make us feel very comfortable, knowing that most of us haven’t played before.” 

The girls worked on basic abilities and running at tryouts. The coaches were mostly looking at core athleticism and skill when considering placements on the two teams. The week of tryouts was very low stress for those participating, and the atmosphere remained full of encouragement. From the very first day, the players noticed a strong dynamic that only improves as time goes on. Sophomore Mariana Ruppert is excited about being able to work on her flag football skills this year but is simultaneously working past minor difficulties she faces after the release of team rosters. 

“As a newcomer, I was really happy and surprised to be put on the team because we were told that juniors and seniors had a higher chance of making varsity,” Ruppert said. “I feel like things could become more challenging for me as the teams work separately and I have to form relationships with so many new people.”

The high levels of participation in this brand-new program provide a sense of optimism and confidence for the success of the team. Games will feature competition against other prominent local schools in the Johns Creek, Roswell, and Milton areas. The future of the Northview team is bright, not just in this first season, but for years to come. Underclassmen athletes already plan to continue their flag football careers throughout high school and the coaches have no intentions of ending their work in the program anytime soon. 

“The involvement and attitudes of the players are very positive and encouraging, and I would love to continue coaching the sport as long as Coach Kratowicz will have me,” Henderson said.