It’s not over until it’s over.
The Park Ridge Owls’ football team season ended November 16, 2024, when the Owls took a heartbreaking and devastating loss. They surrendered to the Rivervale Raiders in the first round of the Bergen County Junior Football League (BCJFL) playoffs to the. However, football wasn’t over for me. I contined my football journey and joined USA Football League to play something new – spring flag – with the Paterson Wildcats.
The Wildcats started their season on February 1, 2025. Every Saturday since February, there’s been a full-body endurance practice. These practices last about two hours and include yoga, strength, and agility training. This workout also allows those who play tackle football to pursue whatever position they want, as there’s no weight limit in this 7 vs. 7 season. Trey Banks at 5 ‘8, 221-pounds, is the starting quarterback for both the Wildcats’ spring flag and tackle season.
“I ain’t looking to win. I’m just looking to try my hardest and eventually have another ring on my finger,” Banks said. “It’s only the first game, which is definitely a tough one, but I think we got this one in the bag.”
Banks is looking forward to taking on the Harlem Jets in their season opener on March 29 at Riverside Park, New York.
“I’m extremely shocked and surprised that a tackle football quarterback or even a flag QB can be 221 pounds!” Caden Castillo, a sixth grader from Emerson, said of Banks. Castillo predicted a win for the Wildcats.
As a starting tight end for the Wildcats, I snap the ball by lightly tossing it to Banks. Depending on the play, the tight end either blocks or runs a route to push the ball closer to scoring position. Receivers La’Vonte Kirk and Manuel Gonzalez, and running back Cameron Williams, round out some key positions.
Last season, the Wildcats averaged 48 points a game which guided them to the championship game in Florida, but they took a 28 – 14 loss. It was a defensive battle reaching a game total of seven picks by both sides. Players and coaches vow to go all the way this year.
“Due to our hard work, commitment and dedication. There is no other team like us,” said one coach. “Whether you believe me or not, we are winning the championship this year, and ain’t nothing holding me back from saying this. I have full confidence in our team! When they say hard work pays off, they ain’t lying! When you want something in life, you get up and work for it.”
Go ahead. Grab a set of flags, put them on your waist, and prepare for another season of football.
