Thursday, October 1, 2026
This is just the fourth season for the Plainedge’s girls flag football program but already it has established dominance like the boys football team in North Massapequa.
The Red Devils girls won the Nassau Class B title in 2024. After being moved down because of lower enrollment, Plainedge captured the Class C county championship last spring.
Moved back to the more powerful Class B for 2026, Plainedge is eyeing a third straight title after posting a 10-1-1 record after its 40-0 bludgeoning of Bethpage on Thursday afternoon.
“We like our chances,’’ coach Adam Hovorka said. “Other teams are saying the same thing. We have a lot of experienced players. The girls really like each other, hang out after school and are coachable.’’
The Red Devils also have a terrific passing game led by sterling quarterback, junior Gianna Ponticello, who completed 10 of 13 passes for 217 yards and threw for four touchdowns versus Bethpage to give her 40 for the year.
“We can really throw the ball,’’ Hovorka said. “The quarterback Gianna can really throw it, and we have multiple receivers who run really well and catch the ball.’’
Also a volleyball player, Ponticello has completed 152 of 220 passes for 2,165 yards with just six interceptions. “She’s incredibly accurate – ridiculously accurate,’’ Hovorka said.
Ponticello plays volleyball but an early softball career set her up for quarterback. Ponticello joined the flag squad as a freshman receiver, but stepped in as quarterback when the starter missed several games for college visits.
“Softball has helped me,’’ said Ponticello. “That’s where I found I got my arm strength and accuracy.”
The sensational record doesn’t surprise Ponticello, who started playing football in the third grade. “We came out strong,’’ Ponticello said. “We work very well together and built a strong relationship. We’re one unit as a team and trust each other. Our coaches have built us into who we are today.’’
Ponticello’s favorite target is speedy sophomore receiver Charlotte Norbury (45 receptions, 761 yards, 10 touchdowns through the first 11 games.)
The 5-8 Norby also runs track and is a basketball player. “She’s very fast, tall, athletic,’’ Hovorka said.
Senior Kate Franks is the running back, logging 581 yards on 74 rushing attempts for 8 touchdowns. Her background is as a four-year cheerleader and she’s a fierce straight-ahead runner.
“She is very powerful, strong,’’ Hovorka said. “When girls run straight, some of the other girls get out of the way.’’
The defense is stout, allowing just 10 points per game. McKenna Hovorka is the middle linebacker keying the D. She has 7 interceptions with four returned for touchdowns and 89 flag pulls.
“She’s got great instincts,’’ said Hovorka. “She sees the field.’’
Another defensive force is junior Ava Renzo, who plays as rusher with 10 sacks. The keystone at safety is sophomore Maddie Crandon (5 interceptions).
Plainedge has two games left – Monday versus Roosevelt and Wednesday against Rosyln. A recent 14-14 tie with MacArthur likely cost its chance at a conference title but a deep playoff march matters most.
“I think we are going to get to the championships,’’ Ponticello said. “This is what we work for – championships.’’
Soon enough, Havorka, a 1994 Plainedge graduate, will turn to the boys football team, taking over as head coach for the retired Rob Shaver this fall.
“I’m thrilled,’’ Hovorka said. “I’m an alum here. I live here. To have a chance to follow a legend, there’s a little pressure there but we welcome it and will continue to do the things we have always done to win football games.’’
