- November 26, 2024
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When I began writing for the Observer in August 2014, I didn’t know I would be reporting on girls flag football. I didn’t even know flag football was an FHSAA official sport. But, after going through that first flag football photo gallery, I knew it would become one of my favorite sports to cover.
The photographer craves an action play during 6 p.m. sunny weather, and Seabreeze and Mainland gave me a ton of them. But, even better than my photos was an athlete—Seabreeze quarterback McKenzie Bowlus—who never ceased to wow me over the course of two seasons.
In my days, I’ve seen girls play football. As a kid, I was afraid to tackle Alison Cobb; she was just as fast as and probably a lot tougher than a lot of us boys. But, I had never seen a girl play the quarterback position as well as Bowlus has pulled it off in the last few years.
Game-winning touchdown throws. Fourth-down-converting run plays. Upset wins. Playing injured. You name it, Bowlus has done it. Except a regional and state championship, she conquered it all and can truly leave the field, knowing she has nothing left to give.
“Actually, I didn't think I could pull this off freshmen year, but I brought my confidence up so much,” she said. “If it wasn't for Coach Hillman, it wouldn't have gone the way it did. And, my girls, my team they were amazing. We were one big happy family, and I couldn't ask for a better high school career.”
Bowlus leaves the game having totaled 117 touchdowns, selected twice as the Bright House Flag Football Player of the Year, a three-time district champion and Seabreeze’s Athlete of the Year this year.
To some, flag football is just an extracurricular activity to hang out with friends, but, to McKenzie, it was her evening job that she took just as serious as if she were getting paid to do it. Athletes like Bowlus don’t show up every season, so, when they do, they deserve our attention and a proper good bye. Having said that, thank you for yours, McKenzie Bowlus, and it was a pleasure to see you work.
