The stadium lights were on at Maple City Park as the spring high school sports season got underway this week in Section V.
Passerby might have wondered if a baseball game or a track meet was in action, but both guesses would have been wrong.
History was happening in Hornell as the first flag football game in Hornell high school history took place on a chilly Monday evening March 23.
Temperatures dipping into the low 30s and snow flurries in the air could lead to a bunch of miserable players. On the contrary, there wasn’t a single player, coach or fan in the stands that complained about the weather because the game was that much fun to get your mind off the frigid New York weather at Maple City Park.
Hornell also made sure to send its fans home happy, running away with a 52-13 win over Geneseo to quickly get the new program its first win.
“I couldn’t be happier and more excited for this group of girls,” said Hornell head coach Mike Wilkinson. “Being a brand new program in a league full of experienced teams, they worked hard all winter to put themselves in position to enjoy an opening night like tonight. They are a group that you can tell really enjoys the game and working with each other.”
Every play at the season opener drew cheers and congratulations from players and coaches on both sides of the field.
Even with a 52-13 victory for Hornell, you would think with the pure jubilation on the Geneseo bench that they had won the game. But in reality it was the opposite and the girls just enjoyed playing a new sport that has been created for the girls in Section V and has grown so fast the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has created a state tournament for flag football.
Flag football has come to the Canisteo Valley as Hornell’s new program joins the Canisteo-Greenwood flag football program that has been around for a few years.
Wilkinson had this to say about the program’s first victory.
“Hopefully we can continue to learn from ourselves and our opponents as we progress though the spring,” Wilkinson said. “I’d also like to give a huge thank you to the community for their support!
“Everyone who came out in the elements tonight helped make the first win in program history a very special experience for the players and coaches alike!”
Hornell’s next game is Wednesday, March 25 at 6 p.m. as the Red Raiders will be hosting Avon.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell girls win first flag football game, ‘very special experience’
Reporting by Steve Harrison, Special to The Spectator / The Evening Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
