GALT, CA (MPG) - It was an exciting night at Hawk Stadium on Labor Day, Sept.2 when the newly formed Liberty Ranch girls flag football team took on its first opponent in the inaugural flag football game. The Hawks beat Amador 12-6.

There were 22 Hawks suited up and ready to play after practicing since school started. They scored first on the Amador Buffalos when Madisyn Robbins caught a pass from quarterback Kamrynn Blevins.

The defense focused on nabbing the opponent’s flag and stopping its progress, which isn’t always easy.  They only allowed Amador one touchdown and held strong when Amador got close to the goal in the closing minutes.

The field looks different as flag football is played on a field 20 yards shorter than traditional boys football. The field is also marked off and narrower. And there are some interesting rules. One Hawk touchdown got called back because you can’t run the ball when you are within five yards of the goal; you have to throw it.

A few other rules had the fans and this reporter confused; we plan to study up and report on those later. 

Andy Peterson is the offensive line coach. “Our goal was to execute what we have practiced so far,” said Peterson. “Hopefully that was enough to get a win and it was. We had some mistakes for sure, but we accomplished some good things in our first game ever. Hopefully we will be even better for game two.”

Madisyn Robbins scored the first ever touchdown and yelled excitedly after the game.

“It feels fantastic,” said Robbins. “We did it with teamwork and some great connecting passes thrown by Kamrynn.”

Kamrynn Blevins played quarterback and defense. 

“My strategy was to look for Madisyn because she has great hands,” said Blevins. “She always works her butt off trying to get open. The line and everyone have been working so hard putting in 110%. I am really proud of my team for all their effort and showing up to every practice ready to work.”

The girls will play at least 14 games this season and some tournaments.