A Narrow Defeat
The Section 9 Class A championship game unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with Kingston High School’s girls flag football team ultimately falling 21-20 to Middletown High. The Tigers entered the contest with confidence, having built an early lead that seemed to set the tone for a comfortable victory.
Kingston struck first, capitalizing on a 15-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Teagan Helsley to Lizzy Purvis. The early score was followed by a swift response from Middletown, but the Tigers answered with a second touchdown, extending their advantage to 20-7 by the third quarter.
The momentum shifted when Middletown narrowed the gap with a touchdown run and later tied the game at 20-20 on a deflected pass that found its way into a receiver’s hands. With just over a minute remaining, Middletown secured the lead with an extra point, sealing a 21-20 victory.
Key moments defined the comeback. Teagan Helsley’s 2-yard run and a conversion pass to Symiah Rush briefly pushed the Tigers ahead, while eighth‑grade quarterback Kahley Cheng’s interception in the final minute extinguished any hope of a last‑second rally. Defensive standout Kate Weston contributed eight flag pulls, underscoring the team’s effort on that side of the ball.
Beyond the field, the game was marked by strong community involvement. A sizable crowd of parents, fans, and supporters escorted the team onto a school bus for the trip to the venue, and the departure was accompanied by a police escort, reflecting the town’s backing of the program.
Coach Keith VanRoy expressed pride in his players’ performance, noting the season’s growth despite the loss. He acknowledged the departure of eight seniors but remained optimistic about the program’s future, citing a bright outlook for the next generation of athletes.