Saturday, May 17, 2025
In its third season with the backing of the New York Jets, Nassau County girls’ flag football is growing exponentially and arguably nowhere is that more apparent than in Valley Stream, where head coach Brian Kelly had 100 at tryouts.
“The sport has grown tremendously here and it’s always hard to make cuts, but we kept 31 girls on varsity and its our second year with a JV,” Kelly said last Saturday after the District team remained unbeaten through eight games with a 39-0 victory at Freeport. “Defensively we’ve always been strong,” he said. “Now we’re finding ways to put points on the board and the girls are having a lot of fun.”
Freeport, which fell to 2-5, has also seen an increase in participation and head coach Alex Miller is expecting the birth of a JV team next spring. The Red Devils’ varsity is 24-deep and has a mix of seniors and underclassmen.
“The sport is definitely growing,” Miller said. “We have a bunch of freshmen on the team and they’ve started a youth program in the area. We’ve had our ups and downs so far this season, but we have athletic and talented kids and we’re still optimistic for some more wins.”
Valley Stream, which won 10 games a year ago, has seven shutouts already and 16 different girls with touchdowns. Senior receiver/cornerback Lauren Alvarez, from Central, has been a two-way star, Kelly said, with six touchdowns on offense and returning one of her five interceptions for a score.
“She’s stepped into a leadership role and her growth has been phenomenal from two years ago to this year,” Kelly said of Alvarez, who had three interceptions in a 13-12 win over Massapequa April 15.
Senior linebacker/running back Jazlene Narvarez is one of the best flag pullers on Long Island, according to her coach. She’s the quarterback of the defense, calling out sets, and a dominant playmaker who also has 300 yards rushing.
Freshman Joeyce Forero was the team’s leading receiver last spring but now is finding targets downfield as Valley Stream’s starting quarterback. She has 20 passing touchdowns and is the “ultimate gamer,” Kelly noted. “She gives her all every play and has tremendous football IQ,” he said.
Seniors Ryann Blount and Autumn Thomas, and junior Gabby Rivera form a strong trio of wideouts who make things happen in the red zone for an offense that’s scored at least 25 points six times. Kelly said the unit wouldn’t run smooth without the talent and consistency of senior center Gianna Acevedo.
On the defensive side, seniors Ava Suaza and Sara Sierzega and junior Antonette Lashley are the rushers up front creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Suaza, who was injured in 2024, ranks among the leaders in flag pulls behind Lashley.
Another two-way standout is junior Alyssa Haughton, who has three interceptions.
“We have 18 seniors and I think we’re in the mix for the county title,” Kelly said. “But there are plenty of good teams and we don’t take anyone for granted.”
