ALTON — Ja’Nya Hubbard, a senior lineman on Alton High School’s first girls flag football team, said the Redbirds are focused on learning, improving and staying together in the program’s first season despite some early losses.
The Redbirds had some good plays and moments throughout the recent Edwardsville game, did not surrender and fought to the end.
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“I’m feeling great,” Hubbard said. “I think that the team did a good job, I really think we really did not give up, and that’s something we want to continue to do. Regardless of what’s on the scoreboard, we just want to keep going, and keep having that mentality of next play. We’re just trying to get better.”
Alton is working through the challenges of being a first-year team. Hubbard said the players are still adjusting to the sport.
“I think we are all just trying to learn the rules, and how flag football is supposed to go,” Hubbard said, “But so far, I think it’s a really great experience.”
Hubbard said she believes girls flag football is an up-and-coming sport in Alton.
“With the coaching that we have, I think it’ll be up there soon in the rankings," she said.
Her goals for herself and her team are direct.
“I just want to keep going out there and being the best person or best player out there that you can be,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard also said she believes the future of flag football is strong for Alton and the Metro-East area.
“I think we’re going to do well, if we keep having the same mentality that we have now, the next play, and the coaches that we have, I think we’re going to do good for the rest of the season," she said.
