Published November 6, 2024
BY ALEXANDER FREDERICK
Junior Josie Hanson thrived at quarterback, but also doubled as a safety this fall in the first official flag football season for the Padres, leading them to a victory in the B bracket in the PCAL division.
“Being the starting quarterback encourages me to be a team leader, but I love playing safety too,” she says. “There is no better feeling than reading the other quarterback and catching an interception.”
Two-year flag football quarterback Josie Hanson threw for 1,554 yards and 26 passing touchdowns in the regular season. (photo by LISA HANSON)
The dual-threat quarterback threw for 1,554 yards and 26 passing touchdowns during league. Running the ball, she accumulated 356 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive end, she caught 11 interceptions, averaging almost one per game.
“The only way for me to have the stats I do is thanks to my great receivers and running backs following the play correctly,” says Hanson. “It’s crucial for everyone to do their part because it’s a team sport.”
Hanson has been an active leader in trying to get Carmel’s flag football team off the ground. She comes from a family of football players: her older brother played for Carmel until he graduated in 2024, and her younger cousin is on the football team now.
The starting quarterback recounts throwing the ball around at her cousin’s house since she was a child.
“I practice a lot outside of school too, working on my mechanics and agility,” she says.
Flag football was introduced as an official sport at Carmel High School in fall 2023, and Hanson jumped at the opportunity to play quarterback for the team.
“You can tell she plays like a two-year starter,” says head coach Phil Johnston. “What’s important is that she’s quick on offense, and she has a great nose for the ball on defense.”
The major difference between this year and last year for Hanson and the team is the addition of an official league schedule.
Starting quarterback Josie Hanson is a dual threat with plays centered around her agility and speed. (courtesy of JOSIE HANSON)
“The program is twice the size it was last year, and all the players are a lot more skilled and experienced,” says Hanson.
Due to the short season last year, the team really came together under Hanson’s leadership this season, according to sophomore running back Delilah Herro.
“Josie helps our entire team come together, especially being the quarterback and an amazing role model to have on the team,” says Herro. “You can always count on her to have your back.”
The girls played 15 games and went 9-6 in the regular season.
After a strong season they came out victorious against Monterey as B bracket PCAL champions, beating Monterey 20-15. Sophomore Anna Rasmusen scored the game-winning touchdown in the last 10 seconds, and Hanson immediately caught an interception, ending the game on the spot.
