A win is a win at any point in the season - but especially in game number one.
Lockerby Vikings junior flag football quarterback Vaughm Rymal was not about to dicker about the aesthetics of a 1-0 shutout of the Lasalle Lancers this past Wednesday night at the James Jerome Sports Complex.
"I'll take it," said the 15 year-old grade 10 flag football returnee who was more than happy to share words of encouragement to her new teammates, those competing in their very first game in a sport that has no youth feeder system, per se.
"Flag football is a really great sport," said Rymal. "It can be challenging, but it's all about learning. You learn from your mistakes - and you're going to make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes."
Most of the girls on the turf would admit to possessing not much more than a sliver of awareness of the game of football, in general. Even at the most critical of positions, that is more often than not the case.
"I watched a little bit of football, like Super Bowl Sunday, but my dad and I used to throw in the backyard," said Rymal, putting her perhaps a step ahead in the battle for QB at Lockerby.
"I had a little bit of knowledge coming in, but I learned a lot while playing."
While the defenses were clearly on top of their game in the final encounter of the day, both teams did manage to move the ball on offense, even if it would only result in a singular score at the end of more than an hour of play.
While running plays are typically the foundation at this age, incorporating an aerial attack is key to match-up with the top end squads in the city.
"When I am looking at the field, I am trying to read the defense," explained Rymal of her pre-snap rituals. "In the huddle, I'll tell the girls: I am aiming for this girl, but if she is not open, be ready."
"I need to calm myself down before I throw, which is hard, sometimes, when the rusher is on you."
Still with effective rushers, Rymal was quick to throw praise in the direction of the Vikings defense, most notably their ability to secure the flag from a small handful of quick Lancer threats - most notably junior sprinter Yasmine Ahmed.
"Don't aim for the bottom of the flags; always aim for the belts," noted Rymal of the Lockerby philosophy in keeping Lasalle in check. "You are more likely toslip if you are aiming for the bottom of the flag."
"If you are aiming for the belt, you have a better chance of getting the flag."
The only scoring in this affair would come courtesy of a rouge from Lockerby kicker Laila Thompson, who drilled a field goal attempt just wide but deep enough to allow the Vikings to secure the single point.
Lockerby field position was often more favourable than their opponent thanks to three interceptions, with Avery Grieve picking off a pair of passes and Hillary Gallinger stepping in front of another.
IN the first of the early games, the Marymount Regals rode a balanced attack - Leah Serre, Mina McCoshen, Ella Tourville and Izabella Guinard registered a touchdown each - to a 25-8 win over the Horizon Aigles.
Emilie Philippe reached the end zone for Horizon, with Anika Rhéaume adding a two-point conversion.
The Lo-Ellen Park Knights took full advantage of the natural athleticism of both Lia Gallo (hockey/soccer/golf) and Annabelle Richardson (sprinter), both of whom came through with six-point scores, in downing the St Charles College Cardinals 13-6 in game two.
A member of the Sudbury U18 AA Lady Wolves, Joely Angus chalked up the only major in a losing cause for SCC.
The Confederation Chargers served notice of their intentions to contend for a banner, blanking the Bishop Alexander Carter Gators 14-0 behind a pair of TDs from Malin Brunette, both converted successfully by Avery Brooks, as well as a stealth defensive effort from start to finish.
