GridironGalsRecap2016Season-02-27-16: Defensive specialists Kari Wakefield #24, Falen Hafen #21 and McKenzie Leishman #23 knock down a pass during the recently completed season. All are scheduled to return next season. Photo by Lou Martin.
Despite featuring a team made up of mostly sophomores and juniors, the Virgin Valley High School Gridiron Gals ended the 2016 flag football season with an overall record of 16-6 and 10-4 in 1-A Sunrise League play. The Bulldogs four defeats were against league opponents Boulder City and Del Sol High Schools. The B.C. Eagles went 46-0 the past three seasons.
The Dawgs began the season strong going 10-1 before losing at home 25-20 to Del Sol late in the game in early January. The Eagles blew the Dawgs out in Boulder City 39-0 before the Dawgs regrouped winning five straight games before losing again to the Eagles and the Dragons. Del Sol eliminated the Dawgs in the first round of the playoffs.
The Gridiron Gals lose only two players to graduation this year and the outlook for next season is great. The Dawgs featured eight sophomores and six juniors on their roster. The Bulldogs offense returns intact with sophomore quarterback Kallie Graves returning along with running backs Katie Zuniga and Elizabeth De Leon. Leading receiver Dylan Bryant and receiving mate Madison Cheney return giving the Dawgs a strong passing game. Hannah Haviland, Bryant and Cheney will anchor a strong defense along with sophomores McKenzie Leishman, Markell Ludvigson, Emily Teerlink, Karie Wakefield and Ally Cook. Seniors to be Falen Hafen, Shalee Hafen and Elly Leal give Coach Joey Bowler and his staff an experienced nucleus for the 2017 season. The Bulldogs were one of only a few teams in 1-A play that featured full Junior varsity and freshman teams which will make the competition for varsity spots even more competitive next season.
