The flag football team is in their second year of playing and they ended the season strong under the New York City Charter School Athletic Association (CSAA). The team had a 5-2 league record and advanced to the league playoffs.
On Saturday, Nov. 2, Pace played against Achievement First Brooklyn High School in the first round of playoffs. Pace managed to keep up, but unfortunately lost with a score of 9-0. Despite the loss, the team held their heads up high and supported each other.
Coach Hylton mentioned that he prioritizes strengthening teamwork amongst the players.
“Football is a sport where if one person messes up, we all suffer. It’s a family. Football is a family. We have emphasized community, family, and working together these past two years with the football team.”
Prior to the playoffs, on Thursday, Oct. 26, the flag football team played their last two games of the regular season.
The first game against MESA High School was nerve-wracking, as the players wanted to ensure the win to advance to the postseason. MESA had similar statistics to Pace, which prompted the initial pressure. Their offense used familiar tactics like the flea flicker and on the hop. Even though it was a close game, Pace managed to win with a final score of 12-8.
Donte Griffith, who was named MVP of the game, said, “Coming to practice everyday and learning much needed skills
from my coach and fellow teammates” gets him into a motivated mindset.
Winning the title, “Player-of-the-Game,” was a big accomplishment for the athlete, as this is his first year on the team. Griffith said, “it feels good because of the team we went up against when I got Player-of-the-Game. It was a tough team; they were undefeated. We were all just so excited.”
After the win, Pace went against Uncommon Prep. There was once again that initial pressure. If Pace won this game, it would secure their advancement to the playoffs, where the battle for the championship title would begin. With all the adrenaline from the previous game, it ended in yet another powerful win for Pace, securing their placement in the playoffs.
“I was nervous the whole time,” Carmello Mitt said, “my legs were shaking, but I’m glad we were able to pull it through.”
Even if they lost the playoffs, Pace had a strong season and worked hard to secure their place in the CSAA. And with this, there’s surely hope for an even stronger team next year. With more practice and team building, there will be future opportunities for them to advance to the championship.
