Over winter break, the Shadow Ridge Mustangs Flag Football Team showed they weren’t slowing down, winning all three of their tournament games and proving just how strong their team chemistry has become.
With months of preparation behind them, the players and coaches say this victory was about more than just the scoreboard, it was a reflection of trust, teamwork, and dedication.
Coach Andrew Dubois credits the team’s defense for keeping opponents in check, but not just because of plays or formations.
“As cliché as it sounds, it has ultimately been the trust they have in each other, it all comes down to the girls executing their responsibilities and trusting the girl next to her is doing the same,” Dubois stated.
That trust has built a sense of unity beyond the field. Even with consistent success, Dubois said it’s the experience of growth together, not just the wins, that stands out most during tournaments like this one.
Dubois expresses, “Obviously winning is always awesome and helps us grow, more than anything, it’s the time we’re able to spend together that builds team camaraderie and chemistry.”
For junior quarterback Chloe Covington, the tournament’s setting brought an extra level of comfort and pride.
Playing at home gave the Mustangs a chance to focus on teamwork rather than the pressure of results.
“It’s different by being able to just have the comfort of being on our home field and having no stress that we need to win, we can just ball out,” Covington said.
Preparation during break also played a big role.
The team took time to rest before returning to intense practices to sharpen plays and regain rhythm.
“We had a lot of rest for the first week and a half, then once it hit Wednesday, we came straight back to working and getting better before Friday came,” Covington explained.
Senior Ashlyn Mitchell said that staying calm and collected was what kept the team consistent through all three games.
“I prepare by just always keeping myself calm and knowing that it’s just a game,” Mitchell said.
As Shadow Ridge looks ahead to the rest of the season, Coach Dubois highlights one defining quality of this year’s squad, their connection.
“Our identity to me is family,” We have a close‑knit team that has truly started celebrating each other more than themselves,” Dubois stated.
