Malemutes prepare for 2023 Flag Football Season

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - After coming off an undefeated 2022 season and a conference title, confidence is not in short supply for the Malemutes, especially after a good result in the jamboree.

“Well, we’re feeling pretty confident that we’re gonna play well. Yeah, a lot of our new girls, it’s the first time that they’ve, you know, played against anybody that is wearing a different color. So we made some mistakes, and we’re, you know, learning and getting better, and yeah, we’ve had a pretty good day so far,” said Lance Cheney, Lathrop’s Head Flag Football Coach.

Confidence is always key; the success from an undefeated season last year is not forgotten. However, with new players and a new season, the jamboree helped bring things into perspective for the coach and players.

“Yeah, we definitely can, definitely see where we need to improve or we kind of shine through. It was, I think it was good to finally have a jamboree again. We haven’t done it in a good bit now, because I’ve been doing it for a while, it’s my third year now. I’ve been doing it for the past few years and we haven’t had it. A few of my senior friends didn’t have it their year. So I think it was kind of nice to have, like all the teams get together in a friendly game. To kind of showcase what the teams like this year. It was nice to kind of get, like an introduction into it. Especially, for all the new players coming in specially, like freshman,” said Brooks Whitman, a junior receiver and cornerback for the team.

With new players, the veterans helping get the new players up to speed and pass along the lessons they’ve learned is a huge benefit heading into a new season.

“Yeah, pretty much just kind of letting them know what I’ve learned throughout the years of playing. Like little tips, and just to keep your head up no matter what, basically that’s all. Just keeping a good attitude, and mistakes are just a way to learn,” said Phoebe Holm, Lathrop’s starting quarterback.

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