Harrisburg, PA - The flag football program at Howard Community College made with a statement, securing back-to-back wins and marking the first victories in program history.
Game 1 vs. Harrisburg Area
The flag football team of Howard Community College opened Saturday morning with a mix of nerves and excitement. The Dragons were determined to get their first win of the season after battling through the beginning part of their season. Despite being shorthanded and entering the match with 7 active players , the team began to settle in as quarterback Ramiya Malik led a composed possession, handing it off to Avery Richardson who rushed for 65 yards in one play that resulted in the program's second-ever touchdown, and Richardson's first.
Sparking energy on the sideline and creating a 6-0 start. From that point forward, Howard found its identity. The defense tightened up with more consistent flag pulls and better communication. Malik connected with her receivers, Emma Oga in particular who had 3 receptions and earned her first touchdown of the season and 55 receiving yards. Emma's touchdown was the second score of the match, and Ramiya Malik ran in the extra point to push the score to 13-0.
The defensive stand continued as the Dragons shutout their opponents. Richardson rushed for a total of 85 yards and grabbed the Dragons only Interception of the game. The rushers were relentless, and two sacks came from the hands of Favour and one sack from Fatima. Adriel Oga earned 4 receptions for 40 yards, and Georgia Day was a swiss army knife. While holding down the Center position she earned 3 receptions and ran a kick return back extremely far. Day finished with 60 total yards. Ramiya Malik threw for 115 yards and recorded her second touchdown pass of the season. A complete team effort was in the books for the first win in program history.
Game 2 vs. Harrisburg Area
In their second outing, fatigue started to settle in, Howard faced a more prepared and physical battle, leading to an early 6-0 deficit. The game proved more demanding, with fewer big plays and a stronger defensive battle on both sides. Favour was able to notch another sack, allowing her to earn one in back to back games. At halftime, Howard trailed and was forced to adjust, focusing on discipline and limiting mistakes. It was not until the fourth quarter that the Dragons were able to get some consistent offense going. Ramiya Malik was able to drive down the field then rushed for a TD to tie the game up. With pressure building up Howard had to complete an extra point try to take the lead. The ball snapped and it looked like everything was covered, at the last second Emma Oga popped to the left side of the endzone and caught a beautiful ball to take the lead.
The final moments showcased the team's composure under pressure. Malik led a clutch drive, moving the offense downfield with precise, quick throws. The 2–0 Saturday not only confirmed their potential but established them as a team capable of executing in high-pressure situations.
Game 3 vs. Post University
The Dragons entered Sunday on a high horse, after winning the first two games in program history it seemed something had clicked. Unfortunately they were shorthanded, entering this game with only six active players. Less than two minutes into the game two Dragons collided, bumping heads while attempting to pull a flag. Favour would not return, due to the severity of the hit. So the already shorthanded Dragons would continue the game with five active players. Post University was kind enough to bring out six players rather than seven, to accommodate for the injury. However, the numbers battle was too difficult to bear, and the Dragons struggled losing in a lopsided victory.
Game 4 vs. Roxbury CC
Entering this game with only five active players was nothing short of a tall task to ask of these girls who have already gone through three gruesome games this weekend. None the less the Dragons took the field full of heart and ready to battle. Malik was able to connect with Emmanuela Oga for a 20 yard completion, though the Dragons did not make it far enough down the field to convert the yards into a score. Emmanuela Oga had 4 receptions in this game, but the story of the day was the numbers disadvantage. The defense held up a lot better than it did against Post University, still the Dragons dropped both games on Sunday. Despite this they made excellent strides and looked like a more poised and complete team than they did in the beginning of the season.
The Dragons will take the field again at the end of the month. April 25th they will play two games in Brooklyn, NY.
