Columbia Wins Inaugural Girls’ Flag Football Section 2 Championship

May 23, 2024 | Athletics, Columbia, District

Columbia Girls' Flag Football Section 2 Champion team photo

Columbia won the first ever Girls’ Flag Football Section 2 Division 1 Championship on Wednesday evening, defeating Albany 34-12 at Troy High School.

Columbia formed a Girls’ Varsity Flag Football team two months ago to compete in the inaugural Section 2 Flag Football league. The team was assembled with players from different sports such as soccer, cheerleading and wrestling, but also included students who had never before suited up for a Columbia Blue Devils team.

On Wednesday evening, Columbia completed a fairytale season, winning the Section 2 Division 1 championship and avenging its only loss of the season by defeating Albany 34-12 in the championship game at Troy High School.

“It’s amazing. This group of kids is unlike any group of kids that I’ve worked with, and I’ve had the privilege of coaching for over 20 years, most of it in tackle football,” Columbia Head Coach Craig Cavotta told the Times Union following the game. “These girls, it’s unbelievable how smart they are, and how they’re able to pick things up and understand the game – and they keep coming back and they want more, to the point where I have to try to keep up with them.”

Columbia (13-1) was led by quarterbacks Bella Satalino and Anna Nassivera who combined to throw four touchdown passes, all of them to wide receiver Ava Tran. Allison Hutton added a rushing touchdown for the Blue Devils.

Nassivera also had two interceptions on defense, including one on Albany’s opening drive to set the tone for the game.

Columbia advances to the Regional Finals and will play Corning-Painted Post on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Shenendehowa High School.

Congratulations!

 

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