Ava Bellis made an immediate impact for Evanston’s girls flag football team, throwing three touchdown passes in her varsity debut. The sophomore completed 17 of 39 passing attempts for 227 yards, guiding the Wildkits to a 27‑0 victory over Oak Park and River Forest High School, though she also threw three interceptions.
A Debut to Remember
Returning playmakers such as KyNia Hunt and Katie Lindsay‑Ryan combined for over 2,000 receiving yards last season, giving Bellis a potent arsenal of weapons. Defensive contributors Astou Cissokho, Ella Martin and Harper Wesenberg each added key plays, including a sack, an interception and a pick‑six that highlighted the team’s growing chemistry.
Coach Carlton Rosemond praised Bellis as poised and capable of ranking among the state’s top five quarterbacks by season’s end, noting the squad’s defensive progress despite the loss of senior Camille Calixte, who suffered a torn ligament in her thumb.
The Wildkits aim to build on a season that saw them fall to eventual state champions Palatine Fremd in the Elite 8 and to Maine South in the sectional title game. With Maggie Conforti’s graduation creating a new starting role, Bellis now faces high expectations as the team looks to contend for a championship.