![Dr. Zanita Kelly, Director of Lower and Middle School, pictured above, and the rest of Westridge Administration were instrumental to providing Westridge faculty and staff the support they needed after the Eaton fire. "[Teachers] are part of the community," said Dr. Kelly. "Just like our families and students."](https://westridgespyglass.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dr.-kellyyy-1-e1748143600809.png)
On the evening of Monday, May 12, the Middle School Flag Football team fought hard and won the final game against Mayfield Junior 20 to 12, officially deeming them the champions for the Middle School Independent League joining three other championships teams: tennis, golf, and swimming.
The Westridge Tigers kicked off their dominant season with a successful win against Clairbourn, 14 to 0, followed by a game against High Point academy, which they also won 46 to 12.
The team was made up of ten members: seven eighth graders and three seventh graders. “We do have a very athletic eighth grade class this year, and I know sometimes flag football plays in the same season as middle school softball,” Coach Nicholas Sale recalled.
Although the team only had three seventh graders, the eighth graders were able to make everyone feel welcome. “We formed bonds that we might have not formed if we weren’t on the team,” eighth grader Charley G. said, reminiscing about her moments during both the practices and the games.
For Cleo M. ’29, she was able to branch out and get to know the eighth graders on the team. She said, “I feel like [the 8th graders] really try to help and they’re really invested in like the team and the game.” Being one of the few 7th graders on the team didn’t make her feel excluded, but rather, more included than ever.
“Oh yeah, we are technically undefeated, which is pretty cool.” Eva B. ’29 described. During her season, she experienced the special team spirit both the eighth graders and seventh graders had.
“Everyone on the team is super friendly… And the coach is a lot fun to have around,” seventh grader Amelia C. said, reflecting on her achievements this season.
“I think that for a team sport, the number one most important thing is just having a strong connection together so you can work well together,” Charley G ’28 added.
“Everyone stepped up and contributed and didn’t back down from that challenge. And then it was just so fun. It was such a great way to end eighth grade careers as champions,” Coach Allison Clark, Lower and Middle School Physical Education Teacher, said.
From Danielle L.’s ’28 skills as a quarterback to Charlotte H.’s 28 speed, next year’s team will have big shoes to fill, plenty of flags to pull, and balls to catch.
