Rylan Ernst is a student at Valley Christian and is a member of the AIA Student SID Program.

Trojan girls flag football kicked off their inaugural season on Thursday, September 19th, facing off against St. John Paul II Lions on opposing turf. The Trojans came out hungry, eager to prove their capability in their first game. And they did so, defeating the Lions in an exciting 24-6 win. 

After deferring possession to the second half, the Trojans began the game with a kickoff performed by Rylee Randleman (11). The Lions returned the ball only a few yards, as Lauren Payne (10) pulled the first flag shortly after they received the ball. As the first play of the game commenced, the Lions quarterback threw an interception to Rylan Ernst (11), who returned the ball for 20-yards, gaining possession for the Trojans. However, Valley came up short during their four downs and were not able to convert the possession into any points.  

After the change of possession, the Lions moved the ball down the field for ten plays before punting. Senior Morgen Hackett received the punt, returning it for a small gain of two yards. After eight plays, senior Abigail Stipp scored the first touchdown of the season for the Trojans, putting six points on the board. Kicker Ryann Nelson (10) successfully completed the extra point, giving the Trojans a 7-0 lead over the Lions. 

Following halftime, Rylan Ernst received the Lions kickoff and returned it for sixteen yards. Two plays later, Isabella Goldman (11) rushed the ball out of the back field for a 65-yard touchdown. Ryann Nelson successfully made the extra point attempt once more, and the Trojans led 14-0. 

In the wake of the Trojans lead, after the Lions received the punt and continued down the field for two plays, Rylee Randleman made an interception, running the ball for seventeen yards before her flag got pulled. After not being able to advance the ball for a first down in three downs, it was fourth down and kicker Ryann Nelson completed a 33-yard field goal. This brought the score to 17-0.  

Nelson said, "Even with the other teams yelling, I locked in and kicked just another field goal as if it was practice."

After the Trojan defense shut down the Lions advance, that score was short lived, as quarterback Catherine Slyter (10) ran the ball into the end zone. This gave the Trojans a 24-0 lead after Nelson's successful extra point in the third quarter. 

When the Lions got the ball back, they turned up the heat. They moved the ball all the way down the field and eventually into the Trojans end zone, making the score 24-6. However, freshman Addison Krupnik blocked the Lions extra point attempt (with her face). The game ended shortly after. 

This was a historic first victory for the Trojan Flag Football program, which brings a lot of excitement for the rest of the season. Make sure to come out to support your Lady Trojans as they continue their season.