A new era of football is getting ready to kick off for Oakdale High School. The young Lady Mustangs will take the field in the inaugural season of flag football in just a few weeks. Taking the reins of the program is head coach Christina Scott; she is also a fifth-grade teacher at Magnolia Elementary.

“I was thrilled to see that OHS was adding a flag football program. When they sent out an inquiry email for a possible coach, I jumped at the chance to be a part of something monumental for all women,” said Coach Scott. “It is an honor to help build the foundation of this program for years to come.”

Joining Scott on the coaching staff are Grace Fernandes and Oscar Barajas.

“Fernandes is our assistant coach and has been teaching physical education and coaching for over a decade at Oakdale High School. Barajas is the junior varsity coach and is a former Oakdale High School student-athlete,” Scott explained. “He has an athletic background in football, soccer, tennis and track and field. He is currently working at Cloverland Elementary School in the special education department.”

Although this is the first season, Scott said the team is focused and has the right attitude, coming in fresh as well as fierce.

“The girls came into this with a winning mindset. They not only know that it takes hard work to create a functional team, but they are willing to put that hard work into practice,” Scott said. “The name of this game is speed and intensity, and that is something our girls have.”

The team does have some goals for this first season.

“I am looking forward to our team having continued growth throughout the season. I told the girls – we are creating this program – we are building that foundation for OHS flag football players to come – we are doing this together,” noted Scott. “Our goal is to get better with each practice and each game and leave something solid to build off of for seasons to come.”

The regular season is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10 with a home game against Manteca scheduled for 7 p.m.

“We have a proud and highly coachable group of girls who are ready to dominate,” Scott summarized. “Oakdale is going to witness a team that starts strong and finishes even stronger. I am beyond pumped to enter the first season.”