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Flag Football
California Preview
Thu, September 12, 2024 at 08:09 AM . California
As the start of the new high school flag football season approaches, there is much anticipation and excitement for the Katella High School team. This year, the team is led by Coach Ulises Lua, who has high hopes for the team's success. Lua has been coaching the team for the past couple of years and has seen the growth and development of the program firsthand. For this season, Lua has identified three top returning players, Senior Linebacker Amaris Jara, Junior Quarterback Nataly Rodarte, and Junior Running Back/Linebacker Samantha Chavez. These players bring experience and leadership to the team, having played in the first season of flag football at Katella High School. Their hard work and dedication to the team, as well as their ability to push their teammates to learn and improve, make them standout players. However, the team also has some new players who Lua believes will make an immediate impact. Among them is Sophomore Gaby Whitehouse, who has already made a significant contribution to the team in just three games played. With her talent and drive, there is no doubt that she will continue to make a difference as the season progresses. In terms of team chemistry and camaraderie, Lua focuses on giving every player an equal opportunity to become team captains. This allows for a sense of unity and fairness among the team, regardless of the position they play. The team also does team lunches before games to bond and come together as a team. In order to motivate his players to push themselves to their full potential, Lua reminds them that each practice and game is a learning experience. He also emphasizes the importance of coming together as a team and learning from each other's mistakes, especially during losses. This mentality of continuous improvement and learning has helped the team stay focused and motivated throughout the season. Preparing for this season has come with its own set of challenges for the Katella High School team. Some of these include making sure the team stays mentally prepared amidst other life responsibilities and finding balance between academic and sports commitments. Lua believes that having a strong academic foundation is crucial for a successful team, as struggling in the classroom can affect performance on the field. As for his coaching philosophy, Lua believes in continuing to learn and grow, both as a coach and as a team. He also values the strength and diversity of the team, with players coming from various sports backgrounds.