Despite the added focus on the seniors during Lane’s 12-0 win against the Dolphins on Sept. 30, it was a sophomore who provided the game-winning touchdown that ended Senior Night with a bang.
Lila Massey, a sophomore wide receiver, consistently connected with senior quarterback Alaina Valmassei throughout the game. The biggest connection between the two came late into the second half, with Lane having the ball right on midfield as they sought to put the game out of reach for their rival Dolphins. The pairing that had shined the whole game was in action again, as Massey ran a comeback route along the left-hash of the field and in one single motion, was able to catch the ball and turn up the field for a 50 yard touchdown which sent the crowd into a frenzy. “I just remember feeling so relieved and insanely happy for scoring especially while facing some of our biggest rivals,” said Massey.
The team celebrated the flag football careers of over 20 of their seniors, most of whom have been members of the team since its founding in 2022.
Before the game, Head Coach Caroline Schwartz said she wanted the defense to make big plays and score touchdowns. Obviously, winning the game was important to Coach Schwartz, but it was clear that making this a special moment and honoring the seniors was a primary concern.
Coach Schwartz highlighted several senior athletes, saying that she “should just look at all the senior posters (posters were placed alongside the stadium), because they are all so wonderful.” Coach Schwartz expressed the passion she had for the program, as she looked to honor her seniors in the best way possible.
The biggest emotional response from Coach Schwartz came when asked about being a part of the evolution of flag, and girls football in general. “I can’t say a dream come true, because you can’t dream about it if you don’t see women [playing football]…So I never saw that, and to be able to just see that, and know that we’re part of a game that I love… it’s really special,” said Coach Schwartz. With all the passion on display from their leader, the Champions followed and competed for a win that meant more than just a notch in the win column.
It was no question just how integral the celebration, and subsequent game, was for all the parties involved. When speaking with senior Gianna Phillips, she said that “it felt great to be out there with all of the other seniors…Flag football truly is like a family and being able to celebrate it with such an amazing group of girls made the night unforgettable.”
Phillips stretched out the dolphin’s backfield early in the game to set up Lila Massey’s huge receiving touchdown with two receptions of her own. Her role is something she has grown used to as someone who picks up extra yards often to set up the rest of the offense.
The Champions moved to 11-3 on the season, and although they may have a difficult time following up the high of their Senior Night win, they look to be on their way towards back to back state, and city championships as they enter the playoffs in the upcoming weeks.
