The Unified flag football team is ready to tackle the Franklin Cubs. 

Unified is an opportunity for students in the Quest program to participate in a varsity sport. The team plays the Franklin Community Cubs next Wednesday at home.

“I feel like we are preparing well, how we know if there is a mis-match and knowing if we need to switch, knowing the upcoming plays, even if the ball is in the air and making sure we call that out. I feel like mentally we are really on it, and we are feeling confident for the game,” junior Dalton Laymon said. 

The team has been having practices twice a week, trying to incorporate everyone in to every play. That is challenging with around 34 players. 

“My brother, Pete, is going to be doing a lot of this also, but I think that trying to get everyone in during games is going to be harder, but that is a really good problem to have. Every year we have more numbers than the year before, and that means people want to be out there and want to be a part of the program, which is really good for us and our athletes,” Coach Rick Guipe said. 

The numbers are significantly larger than last year. 

“I am always ready to work with everyone, like getting to know everyone and I really enjoy going to practices, games, and preparing because everyone is always out there ready and excited to be there so it makes it a really nice environment,” Coach Guipe said. 

The coach’s positive outlook reflects the mindset of many players.

“I’m excited for the games, but I also am looking forward to meeting new people, making memories, learning new things, and helping as many athletes by being someone they can turn to for support, as I can whether they are on my team or not,” freshman Sophia O’Neal said. 

Beyond the excitement for the games, there’s also a focus on personal growth and mutual respect within the team.

“I just hope that people learn new things over the years and within our practices. I also want people to be kind to each other with zero bullying on the team or between other teams,” junior Brei Ross said. 

Dedication is showing. 

“Lots and lots of caffeine plus pre workout gets me through the games and gets me awake. Practices, taking them seriously and running the correct plays and making sure everyone knows and understands them. Being on defense and hopefully improving my vertical, also not letting the other team score,” senior Braylon Sanders. 

Although the players are important, there is behind-the-scenes work that is important, too.

“My role as a manager is posting on Twitter, helping take attendance, cheering everyone on, being a big hypewoman for the team, and letting everyone know any important updates. My favorite thing about being a manager is that I can still come to practices and games and be a part of the team even though I have outside commitments,” senior Ameera Hooks said. 

The coaches have goals for the season. 

“We do not have any weaknesses, and strengths are that we have a lot of students out there that want to be a part of it. Matter of fact, that has always been a big strength of unified is that everyone loves to be out there and that we are doing a really good thing. The Franklin team is pretty competitive but we are going to show up and show out this year,” Coach Guipe said. 

The environment the team strives to have is positive and welcoming for everyone. 

“My favorite thing about unified is that we can really focus on the success of the athletes and the fact that it is just a really positive environment to be in,” junior Annie Crissman said.