As the 2024 season comes to a close, the varsity flag football team has experienced another perfect regular season. Although being commonplace for the team to follow through to Districts, Regionals and even State Finals, the 2024 season wasn’t without its own challenges.

Varsity had experienced an assortment of hardships throughout the season, one of which was Manasvi Vijayaraghavan’s (’24) absence. Although holding a leadership role of Head Captain, Vijayaraghavan was unable to play alongside her peers, due to the tearing of her ACL, within the midst of early-season practice.

“I got injured in the beginning of the season,” Vijayaraghavan said. “Comprehending the fact that I can’t play, I would say was pretty upsetting at first.”

Although the ACL tear prevented her from participating in any games, Vijayaraghavan continued her role in leading the team.

“I learned that this team still needs my leadership position…I still have to lead them, motivate them, and teach them everything I know,” Vijayaraghavan said. “Even though I wasn’t able to play, I am still able to make an impact off the field.”

Even with Vijayaraghavan’s absence from the field, Head Coach Joshua Saunders, still admits to the importance of all the captains this season.

“The captains are great, (Vijayaraghavan has) been really on top of things, and Tammy and Emma have been great,” Saunders said. “Our junior captain Haidyn, the QB, she’s been fantastic too.”

Alongside the captains, the team has also performed to a superior standard, set by the coach.

“This season has been great, as do most,” said Alivia Cocchiola (’25), the cornerback for Varsity. “We have been showing great improvement.”

On April 10, Robinson went up against Tampa Catholic during their Senior Night and won against the Crusaders, scoring a staggering 37-0 and securing a spot in the Regional Championships. In total, Varsity has scored 669 points, which is an average of 33.5 points per game. Comparatively, the average Flag Football team scores 183 points during an average season, with an average of 13.8 points per game.

Later on April 23, the team participated in their Playoff States Championship against Brandon High School. The Robinson Knights prevailed with a 42-0, further cementing their likelihood of winning the state title, yet again.

“We were not nervous for regionals, but we will still play hard like every (other) game,” Cocchiola said. “We definitely are nervous for states, but we will not let that ruin our intensity.”

As of press time, the Knights have a match-up with Tampa Catholic on Tuesday, April 30, where they are favored to win. On Friday, May 3, they will host the State Quarterfinal game against Wildwood or Lecanto.

Varsity Flag Football garnered a 20-0-win ratio, as of the Playoff States Championship. Although the team has experienced an 100%-win rate, the Knights strive for as little of lost points of possible. as of the 2024 season, Varsity has only led up 52 points.

“We think that were in a pretty good place the road to get there is doable,” Saunders said. “the goal for the team is to always win the state title.”