Martello has been here before: Colfax coaching great sees athleticism on first flag football team

Going into the inaugural girls flag football season, Colfax coach Tony Martello didn't have an idea what to expect out of his team or the sport. Colfax fields several successful girls athletics teams, and while that doesn't necessarily mean the players are going to be superstar flag football players off the bat, it gives Martello plenty to work with in terms of athleticism and attentiveness. "I didn't have any preconceived ideas of what it was gonna be. I was just open to whatever it was and so far it has been very good," Martello said. "We've got a very dedicated group of girls that are trying their best and they're very coachable. They listen. It's important to them." The Falcons are out to a 2-2 record with lopsided wins over Roseville and Casa Roble and narrow losses to Rocklin and Woodcreek. Martello said there are plenty of girls who have stood out on both sides of the ball but pointed to Kaia Diederichs, Mia Troy, Laurlyn Massick, Kaylee Fore, Jade Biittner, Sophia Smiley and Gwyn Sinor as some of the top players for the Falcons. Biittner has served as the running back and has proven to be a weapon running and catching the ball. "Jade has done extremely well on both sides of the ball for us," Martello said. "She is also our starting safety and she's shown that she can run the ball and catch the ball really well." Martello offered praise to his receiving duo of Troy and Sinor, who complement each other well in the passing game and noting, "They've caught every ball thrown to them." The Falcons still have home games against Mira Loma and Folsom before beginning the Pioneer Valley League season Sept. 21 at Foresthill. The players and coaches alike have been improving every day and are ready for whatever league play throws at them. "I think we're finding some rhythm and some balance as we get deeper into the season, but it has been a tough transition for me to go from coaching one game per week to multiple," Martello said. "Most of these girls are still playing soccer, basketball, volleyball, they're all used to playing multiple games a week. I am definitely still getting used to it, but we are making a lot of progress." Colfax will face Mira Loma on Friday before hosting Folsom on Tuesday.