Thursday, October 1, 2026
Despite a valiant effort and a late push, the Copiague girls flag football team came up just short in a hard fought 12-7 loss to Commack on May 1st in a game that showcased resilience, defense, and emerging young talent.
Led by head coach Phil Fortuno, Copiague entered the matchup looking to strengthen its playoff hopes. The Eagles battled throughout, but a pair of big plays by Commack proved to be the difference in a game that was still up for grabs until the final seconds.
The contest opened as a defensive struggle with both teams trading punts on their opening possessions. Commack then put together the first sustained drive of the afternoon, marching all the way inside the Copiague 10-yard line. However, the Eagles’ defense rose to the occasion and forced a stop to keep the game scoreless.
Momentum quickly shifted on the ensuing drive when Copiague’s quarterback was intercepted by Commack and returned the ball to the 5- yard line. The turnover eventually led to the game’s first score on the opening play of the second quarter when Commack punched in a touchdown run to give the visitors a 6-0 lead heading into halftime.
Copiague’s defense continued to keep the game within reach, and the offense finally broke through in the third quarter thanks to standout athlete Gianna Lewis. With 2:55 remaining in the period, Lewis electrified the sideline with a 60-yard touchdown run to put the Eagles on the board.
Lewis dominated on both sides of the ball, turning in one of her strongest performances of the season. In addition to the long touchdown run, she recorded three pass breakups and an interception defensively.
“Gianna was great today,” Fortuno said. “We were moving her around and on defense she was great. This was probably her best defensive game of the season.”
Commack answered in the fourth quarter when the Cougars broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run with 7:22 remaining, reclaiming the lead at 12-7.
Copiague still had opportunities late. It drove into Commack territory but were stopped on downs with 1:47 left. After getting the ball back one final time with 13 seconds remaining deep in their own territory, the Eagles attempted a Hail Mary pass that fell incomplete as time expired.
“It was a great game. This is what you coach for,” Fortuno said. “One play away from getting the win but that’s football.”
The Eagles have battled adversity throughout the season, including injuries to senior captain Amaya McFadden, a dual-threat quarterback committed to SUNY Old Westbury, and standout running back Kerah McHugh, who suffered a season-ending injury after posting 800 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Still, younger players continue stepping up. Eighth-grade quarterback Fredricka Cooper has taken over the offense while also competing at the varsity basketball level, and fellow eighth-grader Layla Rogers continues developing into a contributor through film study and preparation.
Senior captain Allison Ramirez has provided versatility and toughness, while sophomore Gianna Thomas continues to shine as the team’s leading flag puller and a key two-way player.
Despite the loss, Copiague remains focused on the postseason. The Eagles enter the finale at Huntington 7-7 overall and 4-7 in league play thanks to a 21-7 win over Connetquot on May 6 that saw Lewis score two touchdowns.
“We are still looking to get into the playoffs and we believe we can,” Fortuno said.
