Rhiannon Boesl is an ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Thunderbird High School for AZPreps365.com 

SURPRISE - In their last regular game this season, the Titans fell to a 31-0 defeat against Paradise Honors. 

Thunderbird came into this game with the hopes of a win after enduring two consecutive losses. Currently standing 6-7, the close-knit group sees this season as something bigger. 

“It's going to be so much fun to see in the future, how big it (girls’ flag football) is. And our coach is new at this, and she's taking on this role. And it's amazing to see girls go out here, because I feel like it's always such a guy sport to be able to do football and stuff. To see girls get out there and do football is really fun,” senior wide receiver Alissa Cowell said. 

Thunderbird kept it close through most of the first half, trailing by just a touchdown in the second quarter. However the Panthers gained momentum, and just before halftime, their wide receiver Jaelyn Perez drove through Thunderbird’s defense for a touchdown. Only about 50 seconds later, Paradise Honors’ Berlyn Hoyt followed up with a pick six, shooting their lead up 21-0.

Regardless, the Titans stayed optimistic with cheers pouring out from the sidelines. 

“Having all my friends around really helps me,” Cowell said.

That support system would remain strong even through the second half after Paradise Honors linebacker Berlyn Hoyt added to her state-leading interception total with her 18th of the year, returning it for another Panthers touchdown

The tide began to turn for Thunderbird with their run game, Cowell with a long carry, her speed dominating the field, but the Titans were unable to score.  

Thunderbird’s defense started making stops, holding Paradise Honors short of the endzone. Senior Lucy Morgan’s defense created chaos for the Panthers quarterback Aveda Soriano. Scrambling, the Panthers tossed it up, and freshman Titan Aubree Furbacher, was close to an interception.

The Panthers closed out their offensive streak with a field goal.

Even after a tough loss, the Titans stayed encouraged with the season they had. The progress Thunderbird made this year reflects the upward direction of flag football as a whole. 

The culture in flag football differs from other sports, with a competitive yet friendly attitude filling the atmosphere. 

“I think that it's just a really big, positive sport because we built it so new, and other sports were already established and we were growing, so we don't take it so much to heart and serious, because we know that it's still going to become bigger than it actually is,” Cowell said.

Gill said they are focusing on playing hard and doing their best.  

“They work hard. They show up, they change and adjust all the time,” Gill said. “They’re fun to coach.”