Blue Devil Flag Football Reflects on Season

The first ever Blue Devil varsity girls’ flag football team played its heart out and successfully launched the sport at Huntington High School this past spring.

The team was coached by Shea Scully and Gabby Valela and captained by Asyria Rios, Theresa Rivera and Aylana Powell. The roster was filled with 27 players.

“Unfortunately, our record does not reflect the hard work and dedication that was put in this season by the athletes and coaches,” Scully said. “With that being said, our biggest accomplishment this season occurred the last game of our season. We played No. 2 seed Sayville and almost tied up the game by the end of the second half. It was the best game we played all season. The girls energy and will to win this game was unmatched and was a great way to end the season.”

Rios garnered All-County honors and Rivera and freshman Kymora Dorvilus were named All-Division.

“Asyria led our team as one of our captains and quarterback this year,” Scully said. “Her ability to read the field and make split second decisions under pressure is very impressive. Not only was she able to successfully run plays but also was able to run the ball to help gain yards toward the end zone. She was a very important asset to our team and will be sorely missed next season.”

Rivera shined at center and defensive back. “Theresa is also one of our captains who has an innate ability to set the tone for each practice and game,” Scully said. “She was our center who started each offensive play with a snap and would immediately make herself an option to receive the ball. Her progression from the beginning of the season to the end was one for the books and her spot will be one that will be hard to fill.”

Dorvilus was a key player on defensive, stopping many opposing players from advancing and also developing into a great wide receiver.

“Kymora led our team in defensive flags this season,” Scully said. “Her grit and determination on the field is intense and contagious. Like clockwork after every game, the opposing coach or referees couldn't help but compliment Kymora and her athletic abilities. We are extremely lucky to have Kymora play for us for three more years.”

Finley eighth grader Madyn Kalb was still another top player. “As an eighth grader, Madyn solidified a starting position as running back this season,” Scully said. “She is extremely athletic and was able to take on flag football as if she had played it her whole life. Not only is she fast, but her footwork and ability to change directions quickly and efficiently made her a force to be reckoned with on the field. We cannot wait to see where the next four years will take her.”

The team is losing five players to graduation, including three starters. “We are excited to see what talent we have coming up from Finley to help fill in the gaps,” Scully said. “We were an extremely athletic team that had the potential to be competitive this season, but unfortunately we proved to be a second half team. This led to us being placed in a position that we could not come back from in most of our games. If we can switch this mindset next year, I am confident that we will be a force to be reckoned with.”

Rios, Rivera, Brenda Salvador, Soraya Ortega-Salgado and Yoselin Fuentes-Velasquez graduated late last month, but more than 20 players will be coming back.

As Scully and the returning players are already looking ahead to 2024, the Blue Devils are proud of what they accomplished in the sport’s inaugural season in Huntington.

“This group of girls not only made history as the first ever Huntington girls’ flag football team, but proved to be one of the most determined and passionate teams I have ever coached,” Scully said. “The girls started the season with little to no back ground knowledge of flag football and what it entailed. Every day the girls showed up ready to learn and continued to grow individually and as a team as the season progressed. This was not only a team, but a strong family unit. I cannot wait to see what next season brings!”