Thursday, May 22, 2025
As the Suffolk County flag football season reaches its halfway point, the Amityville girls are stepping onto the field with one clear goal: make the playoffs.
Now in his fourth year leading the program, head coach Bill Maisel believes this group has the experience, toughness, and athleticism to make it happen.
“This is a team that’s really come together,” Maisel said. “They’re legit football players. They’ve put in the work, and now they’re hungry to prove it.”
At the heart of the Warriors is senior captain and quarterback/safety Alana Henry, a four-year varsity starter who’s earned a reputation as a true leader. “When she’s out there, it’s like having an extra coach on the field,” said Maisel. “Her deep understanding of both the offense and defense helps anchor the team.”
Joining her are fellow seniors and fellow four-year starters wide receiver/linebacker Erin Kreuder and wide receiver/cornerback Imani Brown. Each brings intensity, skill, and leadership to both sides of the ball. “They just get it,” Maisel said. “They understand the game at a high level, and they help set the tone for the rest of the team.”
Senior wide receivers/cornerbacks Sidney Carter and Ahjaneake Beauford, along with defensive lineman Nevaeh Hankins, round out a strong senior core that’s battle-tested and determined to make their final season count.
But it's not just the veterans making noise. Newcomers Beverly Polemon and Jaelle Aikan, both juniors, are quickly turning heads in their first year on varsity. “They’re incredibly athletic and quick,” Maisel said. “They’ve got a real knack for the game. It’s impressive how fast they’ve picked things up. They’re going to be big contributors for us.”
Maisel, who previously coached wrestling, draws a comparison that speaks volumes about the grit of the flag players. “My flag girls work just as hard as my wrestlers ever did,” he said. “People think flag football is all finesse, but it’s still a rough sport with a lot of contact. These girls are tough, and they’re using this opportunity to showcase their talent.”
While the path to the postseason won't be easy, the Warriors are ready to fight for every yard. With a blend of seasoned leaders and dynamic newcomers, they’ve got the tools to make a serious run.“We’re not trying to do anything flashy, we just want to get to the playoffs,” Maisel said. “This team has what it takes.”
The Warriors are 2-6. Their two wins have come against Wyandanch and Center Moriches. In a 20-2 win over Wyandanch, junior Anayah Hampton and senior Sydney Carter each had a receiving touchdown while Beverly Polemon had a rushing touchdown.
There are still eight games left in the regular season so the door is open for the Warriors to get to the playoffs but there’s work to be done. As the season unfolds, one thing is clear. Amityville’s is more than just a team. It’s a family built on hard work, resilience, and a shared goal of turning potential into results.
