The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The Long Beach Jordan flag football team will be one of the youngest teams in the Moore League this season, and the Panthers are embracing that as their advantage. With fresh faces and lots of energy, they are aiming to elevate the program and compete at a higher level.
“I’m trying to be better this year for Jordan,” said sophomore Tiffany Torres, who is making the jump to varsity. “Hopefully, I can help make the team better than it was last year. Even though we had a great team, we’re trying to do even better this season.”
While Torres brings new energy to the varsity level, junior Crystal Beltran returns as the only player with varsity experience. She plans to be a key leader both on and off the field.
“Always bring your best,” Beltran said when asked how she encourages her younger teammates. “No matter if you don’t feel it, put in the work.”
Beltran believes leadership starts with action.
“If people see you putting in the work, they’ll follow you,” she said. “It’s follow the leader here.”
Beltran is also excited about the future of the sport, especially now that flag football has been added to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Since the sport is newer, more people are getting involved,” she said. “People are getting paid, and it’s just a great experience in sports.”
As the Panthers continue to build chemistry and learn the game, head coach Lopez said there will be some growing pains. However, he believes that getting live reps is the fastest way to prepare for the season.
“We brought five freshmen to a 17-and-under camp last week,” Lopez said. “We had a lot of growing pains. But it’s such a new sport that growth is happening everywhere as people get more familiar with it.”
Coach Lopez expects the Panthers’ defense to be a strength, led by a group of underclassmen who love flying around the field to pull flags.
“It’s promising,” Lopez said. “These girls are very resilient, they are very hungry, and they are ready to work.”
On offense, sophomore CeCe Moeller is expected to see time at quarterback. Torres will line up in the slot, while Beltran will rotate around the field depending on what the team needs.
Sophomore Hazel Sandoval and junior Esme Martinez will help anchor the Panthers’ defense as they look to slow opposing teams down.
The team spent the offseason practicing at nearby Houghton Park but is finally back on their brand-new field just in time for the season.
Jordan dropped their season-opener against Valencia and picked up wins against Artesia and Cerritos.
Jordan opens Moore League action against Cabrillo on Wednesday.
