Kingston Coach Celebrates Progress Despite Loss to Middletown in High School Flag Football

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Despite the challenging weather conditions that worsened throughout the game, Kingston High’s girls flag football coach Keyana Williams identified several encouraging aspects of their play during their away match against the state-ranked Middletown team, which ended with a score of 13-0 in favor of Middletown on Monday, May 5.

Williams stated, "The girls were constantly at odds throughout the game." He added, "Despite the poor weather, they put up a strong fight. Middletown is an excellent squad. We're certainly moving in the correct direction. We’re making progress."

The Tigers trailed 6-0 at the half against Middletown, the state’s sixth-ranked Class A team. The Middies improved to 7-0 in Class A and 9-0 overall.

Kingston (1-6, 2-7) has faced a challenging lineup this season. Besides their narrow defeats against Middletown, they also fell to No. 11-ranked Class A team Pine Bush with a score of 25-0 and endured a 21-6 loss to Rhinebeck, which ranks fourth statewide among Class C schools, in a non-conference game.

Kingston also fell short against Monroe-Woodbury, which received an honorable mention in Class A.

On Monday, several members of the Tigers put up impressive performances. Maygan Carney stood out particularly in both defense and attack. In terms of scoring, she topped her squad’s rushers with 35 yards and also snagged six receptions for an additional 18 yards. During the match, she made a notable 30-yard dash as well.

Once more, Maygan Carney stole the spotlight," remarked Kingston’s offensive coordinator and ex-head coach Mike Dittus. "Her spin move pushed her past the second tier of defenders and she nearly crossed the line for a score.

Tigers quarterback Teagan Helsley completed 16 of 21 passes for 85 yards.

Helsley had a 30-yard completion to seventh-grader Lizzy O’Neil.

“Teagan and Lizzy are starting to develop a chemistry that could really grow next year when Teagan is a senior,” Dittus said.

Micayla Sandy had a combined 15 yards from scrimmage.

On defense, Carney led the way with seven flag pulls (one sack). Madeline Tampasis had six flag pulls, Kate Weston had five flag pulls (two sacks), Helsley collected five flag pulls and defended two passes and O’Neil had four flag pulls and one pass defended.

Other Kingston players on defense who contributed were Cali Chambers (three flag pulls, one sack), Sandy (three flag pulls), Mekhalyn Teale (two flag pulls), and Madeline DeKoskie (one flag pull).

Kingston will next host Monroe-Woodbury at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, at Dietz Stadium.

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