On Aug. 22, students and parents gather in the BVH stadium to watch the first game of the season for the girls’ varsity flag football team. The Lady Barons start warming up to better prepare themselves for their kickoff against Mission Bay High School (MBHS). The Barons move swiftly on the field while avoiding the Buccaneers from taking their flags from their belt by using fast-pace variations throughout the game.
The girls’ flag football team is a recent sport welcomed last year at BVH. Success soares as the Lady Barons won the 2023 C.I.F. Champion title in their inaugural season. Leading into their upcoming season, Head coach Larry Schoen elaborates on his goals and aspirations for their second year, hoping to carry their legacy and title. Schoen emphasizes his preparations as a coach are necessary for the Lady Barons to secure their win.
“We prepare for every game, we talk about the five P’s, ‘Perfect, Preparation, Prevents, Poor Performance’. It is the same philosophy as last year we [follow to] prepare for the game. I do not prepare [us] for the team we are playing, I get us ready for what we do; it is always us versus us,” Schoen said.
Schoen’s mindset as a coach and how he shares that mindset onto his players by strengthening his team to anticipate any outcome. Schoen clarifies the pressure his newcomers might have as they strive to carry the legacy of the team in the past and to meet his expectations as a Coach.
“I hope to build a team. We lost eight seniors. Five of the seniors were Division One, all C.I.F. players. It is really building the confidence of a brand new quarterback as a first year quarterback or have never played quarterback, and also just the new girls. Half the girls are new and never played football. It is kind of the same thing [concept] we did [had] last year, except we are working for it. We are quick. It is the expectations that are making them feel the pressure of being developed,” Shoen said.
Schoen shows his passion and love for the game itself by growing a close bond with his players. He expresses his joy when his players execute a good play or score in the game, knowing he was the one who taught them those skills. Similar to that attitude, sophomore Layla Schoen (4) mentions her favorite parts of the game, along with her bond with her dad.
“My favorite part about flag football is actually being coached by my dad. My dad, being the Head Coach, has definitely changed my life, and I would not have done it without him,” Schoen said.
As Coach Schoen previously discussed the importance of carrying a close bond with his team, Layla Schoen emphasizes the connection that has grown between her and her dad as he coaches her. Shoen describes the bond as life-changing as her dad has grown to be her biggest inspiration. She reveals objectives she wants to improve [as a player]or herself as well as her thoughts for the upcoming season.
“[I wish to improve] my attitude on the field. Once they start talking, I would go crazy, but that is okay. It is part of the game,” Schoen said. “I don’t think we will have a similar season from last year. I actually think we are going to do better,” Schoen said.
Schoen mentions the compassion she has for the game as she describes her attitude and perspectives throughout the game. Furthermore, Schoen hopes to have an improved season from last year. As the season begins to progress on a winning streak, other players such as freshman Dariyan Wilson (19) shares her point-of-view on the team.
“I knew we were going to win. I feel that we could make it towards the C.I.Fs, with the players that we have this year. We are doing pretty good and have improved a lot towards the season. [We have] only been two games, we are just progressing over and over.”
Wilson passionately expresses her confidence that she carries within herself and her team. She believes they could make it to the C.I.F. Championship for a second year in a row as the team plans to improve as the season continues. Wilson explains her favorite parts about the game and her experiences she holds for herself.
“My favorite part about flag football is the experience and the players that I get to experience the game with. I am very grateful that I made varsity because I have been working very hard over the summer to get better and I think I have improved a lot since being on the team,” Wilson said.
Wilson elaborates on the determination she had to apply on herself to make the team as a freshman. She mentions her love for her fellow teammates and highlights the progression that has already been made by them.
“I love teaching the game, teaching the girls. It is this beautiful game. It is addicting and it is awesome to see them [the players] learn the game. It is awesome to see them catch a ball or run the plays and say, ‘Wow, I taught them that’. Seeing them score is really fulfilling for me,” Schoen.
