JV Flag Football Team Compiles 5-3 Record

Huntington is determined to develop a championship flag football program. To help me interest in the sport, the district added a junior varsity team this past spring and that young squad battled its way to a 5-3 record.

Coached by Antoine Swain and Patrick Reilly, the JV was captained by Anabella Rafailan, Izabelle Colato and Taylor Ranft. The roster was filled by 16 players.

Eighth grader Mikiyla Blizzard led the team, rushing for 636 yards and five touchdowns in six games at running back.

“Mikiyla became the team’s heartbeat, consistently explosive, unpredictable and nearly untouchable,” Swain said. “Week after week, she turned routine plays into highlight material. Whether it was a quick handoff up the middle or a pitch to the outside, she made defenders miss in space.”

Rafailan rushed for 431 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman quarterback over six games. “From day one she proved she wasn’t just a good athlete, she was a student of the game,” Swain said. “Quick to learn plays, sharp with her reads and always asking the right questions, she picked up on concepts and adjustments faster than most seasoned players.”

Despite being a new team, Huntington was quickly competitive. “Winning the first girls’ flag football game in Huntington history was pretty big,” Swain said. “We walked away with a win, setting the tone for a season full of grit, growth and unforgettable moments.”

The Blue Devils spent two months learning the game. “This season we proved that heart and hustle can take you places that talent along can’t,” Swain said. “Our team wasn’t just made up of skilled athletes, we were built on grit. Every practice, every game, we pushed ourselves past limits, never backing down, no matter the challenge.”

Huntington is regrouping and expecting an infusion of new players as Finley Middle School eighth graders transition to high school freshmen.

“The goal for 2026 is clear: An undefeated season,” Swain said. “With the talent, toughness and heart we have on this team there in no reason why we can’t reach that level. We were a team full of ninth graders so we are expecting almost the whole team to return.”