Photo courtesy of JDPixels
Riley Clark
Riley is a junior at Strawberry Crest High School, where she plays for the Chargers flag football team. Riley led the Chargers in every statistical category on offense, including 86 catches (School Record), 797 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
How long have you been playing flag football?
I played it in middle school, 6-8 grade. Then, when I got to high school, I focused on softball. Then, just my junior year, I picked it back up and am planning on playing it next year for my senior year, too.
What’s your favorite thing about flag football?
My favorite part about flag is how it’s a physically demanding sport, and that I get to build chemistry with my team.
Do you have a favorite flag football memory?
My favorite memories are car rides to away games because I get to catch up with my teammates and listen to good music. And when I make touchdowns or a big play, my team always yells “Yes Chef” because I am in culinary and on the Florida ProStart Team.
What’s your favorite thing about playing for Coach Johnson?
My favorite thing about Johnson is that he is a funny and positive coach who is determined and always supportive.
What’s an area in flag football that you want to improve in next season?
An area I want to improve on next season is rushing; having that under my belt would be good. Team-wise, I would love to make it to regionals since we came close this season, definitely going to work harder to get there next season.
Has playing flag football taught you any life lessons? If so. What are they?
Flag has taught me how to play as one; the whole team needs to be on the same wavelength to win. It has also taught me to lead by example because the hustle is contagious.
Is there a rule in flag football that would change if allowed? If so, what is it?
A rule I would like to change or add is adding fumbles. In flag, there aren’t “fumbles” like tackle, and I feel like that would be fun to have.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to try out for the team next year?
Advice I would give is to not be afraid to fail, and to have fun because that’s the whole point.
When you’re not playing flag football, what are you doing in your free time?
When I am not playing flag, I will probably be at culinary practice. During season I went back and forth from culinary practice to flag games, it was a lot, but worth it.
What’s your favorite songs to get you hyped for a game?
Before games, I listen to a lot of Lil Baby, 42 Dugg, Travis Scott and Nba Youngboy. My teammates and I love to listen to rap for pregame.
