A Fresh Chapter for the OPRF Eagles
The Oak Park River Forest High School flag football program is entering a pivotal season after losing 22 senior starters. With 102 athletes now on the roster — including a record 36 freshmen — the team is blending youthful energy with experienced leadership as it looks to rebuild on the foundation laid by recent graduates.
Junior quarterback Alessandra Gerut anchors the offense, having earned recognition with the USA Football U16 Select Bowl in Los Angeles. Joining her are fellow juniors Nora Parton and KaiLee Robinson, who provide depth at receiver and playmaking. Coach Jim Geovanes has reworked the offensive playbook to maximize Gerut’s skill set, creating a more dynamic passing attack that can exploit mismatches.
Defensively, the Eagles rely on a mix of speed and intelligence. Track standout Kynnedi Alawode brings a reputation as the smartest and fastest player on that side of the ball, while Tegan Smith continues to tighten the secondary. Across the league, Daija Baines from Fenwick leads the opposition’s pass rush, setting a high bar for the Eagles’ offensive line.
The early schedule is stacked with tough nonconference matchups. OPRF will open against Evanston, face top‑ranked Kenwood, and later meet Willowbrook, each game testing the new roster’s resilience. Jim Moy’s squad, which includes players such as Lucy Avrut, Anna Dore, Ionna Griffin, and Payten Haynes, must navigate a slate that also features GCAC North rivals DePaul Prep and Saint Viator.
Trinity High School enters the season with 23 players, highlighted by junior receiver Hayden Smith, who returns after a strong previous campaign. However, the team will be without Payten Haynes, who is recovering from a stress fracture, and will adjust after their top running back transferred to Hope. Returning safety Amira Straw adds experience to the defensive backfield, while newcomers such as Maeve Bonakdar, De’ondrea Allman, Laura Mullen, Gweneth McNally, Talia Hill, Siobhan O’Rourke, Gianna McDougall and Danielle Porter look to contribute immediately.
Looking Ahead
As the season unfolds, the Eagles’ blend of seasoned juniors and enthusiastic freshmen creates a narrative of renewal and ambition. With coaches, players and supporters all watching closely, the upcoming weeks will reveal how effectively the team can translate its depth and preparation into on‑field success against a competitive regional landscape.