Kingston's Mackenzie Martin, left, tries to get away from Monroe-Woodbury's Eftalia Mykish during a game Friday, April 14, 2023, at M. Clifford Miller Middle School in Lake Katlin. (Tania Barriclo/Daily Freeman, File)
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — Senior quarterback Mackenzie Martin had four home runs as the Kingston High School girls flag football team opened the season in dominant fashion with a 62-0 win over host Our Lady of Lourdes on Saturday. He threw a touchdown pass and went for another TD.
Martin threw TD passes of 29 and 36 yards to senior wide receiver Caroline Connolly, a 22-yard scoring toss to Maddie Dekosky and a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ella Dekosky.
Mikayla Sandy scored on a 39-yard rushing TD and Maegan Carney had a 25-yard scoring run. Jordan Perry also scored off a quarterback keeper. The Tigers (1-0) scored on six of their seven extra point attempts.
Kingston coach Mike Ditas said Connolly took a hard hit during the game but continued to play.
“Caroline had a great day receiving the ball and was hit pretty hard in the back, but she refused to come out of the game,” Ditus said. “I admire her toughness and her dedication to the team.”
On Kingston's defense, Sandy scored with a pick-six. Hannah Tampasis led Kingston with five flag pulls (one sack). Connolly had three flag pulls (two sacks) and Martin had three flag pulls.
The Tigers also had an interception and three pulls from Brooke Niles, two pulls (one sack) from Maddie Tampasis, two pulls (one sack) from Mekalyn Thiel, and one pull from Cali Chambers. Earned a flag pull.
“Saturday morning was cold and windy, but the Tigers were focused and performed well,” Ditus said. “Hats off to Lourdes because they are a young program. Their future is bright.”
Kingston's home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9th at 5:30 p.m. against defending Section 9 champion Warwick on Field 2 at M. Clifford Miller Middle School.
“Things will get even tougher on Tuesday,” Ditus said.
Kingston finished 7-5 in its inaugural season of girls flag football a year ago.
Ditus said he wants to make up for last year's disappointing loss to archrival Newburgh Free Academy (NFA) in the opening round of Round 9 of the playoffs.
According to the Section 9 website, Kingston will play Division I (Large Schools) NFA, Pine Bush, Monroe-Woodbury, Middletown, Minisink Valley, Valley Central, Washingtonville and Warwick in Section 9, according to the Section 9 website.
Round 9 of the Division I Championship will be held on Friday, May 17th at Monroe-Woodbury High School.
