Savannah Sannes is an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Centennial High School for AZPreps365.com 

PEORIA — Centennial High School’s girls flag football team ended its inaugural AIA varsity season with a matchup against Horizon, closing out a year defined less by wins and losses and more by growth, energy and the foundation of a program that is just beginning to take shape.

The Coyotes spent the season adjusting to tougher competition and building a culture that pulled in players, coaches and even the athletic department. 

The sidelines were loud every week, with players like Avery Miller, Chloe Curnrow, Natalie Mendoza and Rosalyn Stangl keeping the momentum up whether they were on the field or cheering for teammates. For many of the girls, the constant hype became something that kept them connected even when games got challenging.

This first year of AIA competition also came as girls flag football continues to expand statewide, adding new opportunities for high school athletes and prompting programs like Centennial to figure out what it means to build from the ground up.

Head coach Kevin McCausland said the team’s development over the season was undeniable. 

“If you saw them from day one of the season until the end, it was two separate teams,” McCausland said. “The girls have not only grown as athletes but as young adults.”

McCausland said one of the biggest turning points was the team’s first win. “Once the girls got their first win, you could see the light bulb go off and they realized they can compete with anyone,” he said. “To see the pride on their faces was one of the biggest highlights for me to witness.”

That win came against North Canyon, a game assistant coach Adam Ortiz said changed everything. 

“I think the pressure of that first win was getting in their heads. In that game, they played more freely and were able to execute more. That was an entire team win.”

Both coaches said the players handled adversity with determination. “When the games were close, you could see the intensity of the girls increase,” McCausland said. “You heard more talk on the field and more from the sidelines. You could see they were locked in and when things didn’t go our way you could see the frustration and the determination on their faces.”

Ortiz said the coaching staff emphasized confidence during those moments. “I think we were able to help the girls by instilling confidence in them,” he said. “They are amazing athletes and just needed to come together and work together.”

The season wasn’t only about handling tough drives or learning the playbook. It also cemented the program’s culture. “These are amazing girls; they are so ready for next season,” Ortiz said. “They are the perfect inaugural class to show the family culture for Centennial.”

Centennial’s athletic department also sees the program expanding quickly. Athletic director Darien Schoolcraft said interest in girls flag football is already rising. “Yes, we have seen a lot of interest growing in flag football, even to the point that we will have a JV flag football team,” Schoolcraft said.

Schoolcraft mentioned the year carried meaning across the school community. “I think this meant a lot to have the first varsity season within AIA,” he said. “The players and parents are excited to see the program grow and develop.”

As the sport grows statewide, Centennial is preparing to support it long term. “We continue to look at the needs of the program and see what they need,” Schoolcraft said. “We look for grants and different funding sources to help them.”

He said the future looks strong based on how many girls showed interest. “The number of athletes that came out were more than enough for two teams and we only had one senior on the team this year,” Schoolcraft said. “We are excited for it to grow and continue.”

McCausland said next season will build off the foundation already in place. “We want to build off what we accomplished this season,” he said. “I want to win more games; I want the team to want more next year. I hope to build a stronger family bond for next year.”

Even with the season now finished, that foundation is already visible. “Just how hard these girls worked,” Ortiz said. “They took pride in knowing that they were the 1st Varsity Flag Football team.”