The Evanston Wildkits showcased their dominance in flag football with a resounding 25-0 victory over the New Trier Trevians. The game, played at Lazier Field, highlighted the Wildkits’ offensive prowess and defensive tenacity leaving no doubt about their superiority in the Central Suburban League.

The Wildkits’ defense was impenetrable, not allowing the Trevians to cross the 50-yard line once. This victory marks the third consecutive year that Evanston has defeated New Trier, solidifying their position as a formidable team in the league. Evanston’s record improved to 6-1

Ava Bellis: A Rising Star in Flag Football

Ava Bellis Evanston’s new starting quarterback, demonstrated her potential with four touchdown passes despite some early struggles with dropped passes and off-target throws. Bellis’s strong arm and strategic plays were evident throughout the game, particularly in the second half where she completed 10-of-11 passing attempts.

Bellis’s touchdown passes to Emma Reese (24 yards) and KyNia Hunt (38 yards) in the first half set the tone for the game. Her 1-yard completion to Brielle Rosemond in the second half put the contest out of reach for the Trevians.

“Sometimes they don’t know where I’m going to throw it, because I’m new, and they have to adjust,” Bellis acknowledged. “There were some big plays we could’ve gotten tonight, but we didn’t. In the second half, we knew we had to capitalize on those chances.”

The Learning Curve

Bellis recognized that the offense is still a work in progress as she and the receivers get to know each other better. “Coach [Carlton Rosemond] told me at halftime to just lock in and keep throwing it to the right spot, and we’ll be good,” she said. “We had some great catches and I was able to read the defense better and hit them in their windows.”

Coach Rosemond highlighted Bellis’s potential, noting that she ranks among the top quarterbacks in the state in passing yards. “Right now I think the issue is 50-50,” he said. “Some of it is that Ava is still learning the mechanics of how to play quarterback, and what throws to make. And our receivers have to adjust, catch the ball first and THEN move and run.”

A Defensive Resurgence

The Wildkits’ defense played a crucial role in the victory, getting back on track after a disappointing performance in the previous weekend’s doubleheader against Maine South and Lincoln-Way East. Interceptions by Reese and Ella Martin, along with a strong pass rush, limited New Trier quarterbacks Kathleen Ellis and Lila Byrne to a combined 16-of-32 passing for just 73 yards.

“That wasn’t us last Saturday,” said Rosemond regarding the ETHS defense. “Tonight we were really dialed into fixing what we didn’t do right Saturday. Our defense just didn’t hold up in those games.”

The defense gave New Trier a lot of different looks, with much of the credit going to the pass rushers who made the Trevians’ quarterbacks rush their throws. “We worked on a couple of areas in practice and on staying disciplined,” Rosemond added. “Our goal is pretty much to make sure all areas of our defense are shored up so it’s a dogfight to get past our defense.”

The Rivalry Intensifies

The game highlighted the growing rivalry between Evanston and New Trier, although it is still in its early stages. ETHS fielded a team a year before their neighbors to the north, and New Trier is still playing catch-up in the sport. Bellis only recognized one player on the New Trier roster, having played basketball against her.

“I think it’s always a big deal to beat New Trier,” Bellis said. “It’s been such a long rivalry in the other sports.” Rosemond echoed this sentiment, noting that every game against New Trier has been a battle. “Two years ago they had us on the ropes until KyNia [Hunt] turned the game around with a pick six,” he recalled.

The Wildkits’ victory over New Trier was a testament to their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. With Ava Bellis at the helm and a defense that is continually improving, the Wildkits are poised for a successful season. As Bellis and her teammates continue to refine their skills and strategies, the rest of the state should indeed take notice of this formidable team.