Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school and college students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
Overfelt High School’s girls flag football team is still searching for their first win. Last year, their first season, they went 0-17. This year, they’ve gone 0-14.
But it’s not all bad news. This season, they actually
took the lead, for the first time, in two games this month that they ended up losing 13-12, then 26-18.
Coach Miguel “Chief” Esparza looks at the bright side. “We just have to learn how to finish games,” he said. “We can’t panic or make the mistakes that cost us in the end.”
Even through the losses, he said his motivation stays strong.
“I love coaching,” he said. “The bond the girls have, all the jokes, the way they make each other laugh — that’s what makes it fun. You never know what kind of practice you’re walking into.”
Overfelt head coach Miguel “Chief” Esparza talks to the referee during a game against James Lick at Overfelt High School in San Jose, Calif. on Oct. 19, 2025. (Alexis Carrillo/Mosaic)
Last year, the team maintained one large roster of 40 players.
Despite last year’s record, 61 girls tried out this year. So Overfelt created a varsity and a junior varsity team, each with 18 players. Esparza said that would give more girls playing time and help them learn faster.
Esparza said returning players stepped up as leaders and helped new girls fit in.
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This season also marked a big moment: the team played the school’s first game on its brand-new $800,000 turf field.
Senior and varsity player Ava Chacón said, “It was really fun. I definitely could’ve played better, but as a team we were right there. Playing on the new field felt good — way better than last year.”
Even if the wins haven’t come yet, coaches and players believe their performance has improved — closer scores, better communication and more confidence each game. Little moments, like pulling a key flag or completing a tight pass, feel like victories on their own.
Off the field, the team has raised over $4,000 through its Snap online fundraiser to buy warm-up gear. Players say win or lose they are taking pride in building something that they hope will last.
They say Overfelt’s flag football story isn’t just about a losing streak — it’s about progress, support and refusing to give up. They are certain that their first win is coming, and when it happens, it will prove that all their hard work meant something. As Coach Esparza put it, “We’ve had a good season, even if we haven’t won a game. The growth, the memories, and the support mean everything.”
Alexis Carrillo is a member of the class of 2026 at William C. Overfelt High School in San Jose.
