Scripps Ranch High School Flag Football Season Preview

Flag football season is quickly approaching, and the Scripps Ranch High School team is gearing up for another exciting and competitive season. After a successful season last year, the team is looking to continue their growth and make a name for themselves in the San Diego section. I had the opportunity to catch up with their coach, Tang Charlie, to get a preview of what we can expect from the team this year. Coach Charlie has been coaching flag football for nine years and is entering his second season at Scripps Ranch. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, having also coached at Clark High School in Las Vegas and Marshall Middle School. This year, his main focus is on building a strong foundation of fundamentals and growing as a team. One of the team's top returning players is senior captain Chloe Ng, who led all of the San Diego section last season with 113 flags pulled. She is also a standout wrestler and brings a competitive and determined spirit to the team. Alongside her, there are ten other returning varsity players who will play a key role in the team's success. Coach Charlie describes them as a talented group, particularly on the defensive end. But it's not just the returning players who will make an impact this season. Coach Charlie is also excited about the incoming freshmen class, who are joining the team after winning their middle school league championship. Kennedy McCabe, Emelia Barajas, Noa Phillips, and Marissa Antonio are all expected to contribute immediately and will play a big part in the team's future success. When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Charlie believes that practice is key. He and his coaching staff will prioritize the fundamentals and good reps in order to make the game easier for the girls. This also ties into their motivation, as they focus on quality over quantity. By emphasizing good reps, the team aims to make fewer mistakes than their opponents and pride themselves on being a quick and adaptable team. However, with every new season comes challenges, and this year the biggest challenge for the team will be field space. With multiple other successful sports teams at Scripps Ranch, finding time and space for practice and games can be difficult. However, the team remains focused on efficiency and continuous learning, making every practice count. In terms of their schedule, the team will play an 18-game schedule, including an early-season tournament that will give them a good understanding of where they stand as a team.