The 2026-2027 school year will go down in history as Redwood Girls’ flag football plays its first-ever season. Coach Michael Wright II, and 3 players give their thoughts on the introduction of the sport and their goals for the season.
By Ben Newell, Neliah Ombogo Watkins, Anthony Gamboa
This flag football season will be immortalized in history as the first at Redwood and will leave a legacy by the players that will be continued for generations of the sport to come.
Quarterback Miranda Ortiz ‘28, has shown a lot of gratitude for being in the sport and holds some big goals throughout the season.
Ortiz wants to ,“Be a good QB, complete passes, and win a ring. I’m really glad to be a part of [the team], and I really want to be the first team to win a ring.”
Ortiz expressed that she has always liked watching football, and it’s one of her favorite sports.
Michael Wright II, mainly known for being the wrestling coach and P.E teacher, has taken a step into new waters, becoming Redwood’s first-ever girls’ flag football coach.
Wright shares his excitement and gratitude for the season, “ It’s exciting. I really love our team, and I am so honored to teach and coach at Redwood in general, and to be a part of something that’s historical. The first time coaching this sport gives me even more gratitude,” said Wright
Due to work being done on the turf, Wright has had the team practicing on the Sierra Vista field very early in the mornings. Wright hopes that they can return to practicing on the turf once construction is done.
Since this is Redwood’s first flag football season, a lot of the girls on the team have never really had experience with the sport before, “ Right now it’s really a lot of teaching, and I think we only had one girl who played flag football before, so it’s a lot of teaching and really learning the nuances of the game.”
Wright explained how coaching wrestling has helped him in terms of teaching and communication with the team.
Because this is Wright’s first time coaching the sport, he has reached out to a lot of his friends who have access to college football coaches and all of the different resources at his disposal, including coaching mentors.
Emma Crisp ‘29, another QB on the team, has prior experience in football, having played with friends and family during her childhood.
Crisp has prior experience in Redwood athletics, having played varsity soccer, and uses skills such as scanning the field and knowing how movement works while out on the football field.
Running back Blake Duncan ‘28, expresses her appreciation for Wright, “I think Coach Wright is an amazing coach. I think he helps us get better at the sport that’s new for all of us,” said Duncan.
Duncan describes Wright’s coaching style as “lenient” but is still active in making sure the team is working hard while having fun in the process.
Duncan explains how she feels some added pressure to perform well considering they are the first Redwood team. “ We want to make a good impression on the school and the lead legacy of flag football.”
Ben Newell
Ben Newell '27, is a senior here at Redwood High School and has been involved in Redwood media for the past 3 years making it his goal to tell Redwood's story. Newell is a passionate sports writer and social media manager for the Redwood Gigantea. You can reach him at [email protected].
Anthony Gamboa
Anthony Gamboa '30, sports writer who likes to write and I am very passionate about learning about other sports and looking at the behind the scenes and inner workings.
Neliah Ombogo
Tags: football, Gigantea athletics, Redwood, redwood athletes, redwood sports, visalia ca
