- April 28, 2024
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Have you watched a player excel in a sport because of God-given? Were you said athlete? Most times height and weight make the biggest differences in youth sports, but, when everyone is the same size, an athlete’s natural ability is a thing to be admired. I witnessed that in Matanzas quarterback Jaida Reddin last week.
In a losing effort to Seabreeze, Reddin became the obvious go-to player, running the ball on nearly every down from the quarterback position, but she still seemed a bit difficult to stop. In the first half, she actually moved the ball the entire distance downfield and scored the Lady Pirates’ only touchdown.
What’s most impressive about Reddin is that she’s only a freshman, and she’s never played football before.
Opposing quarterback McKenzie Bowlus, a two-time reigning Bright House Flag Football Player of the Year praised the young and inexperienced Reddin, saying, “For a freshman, she's really good. If she would take her time and think before every play, she would really ball out. I would love for her to be on my team; she’s got great talent.”
I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a scenario similar to this one. Imagine not only playing a sport you’ve never played, but being put in the leader position. In my B.C. (before calories) days, I was considered one of the top athletic guys, but I wonder how much of a difference maker I’d be on a cricket team.
Reddin’s cousin, Zhariah Haire, played on the team last season, and she encouraged her try out. I seriously doubt either of them expected the most inexperienced player in the bunch to become the team’s best prospect going forward.
Not even halfway through her first season, Reddin admits that she likes the game, and she plans to play for the rest of her high school years.
I like it; it’s fun,” she said.
Judging by the moves I’ve seen her make and Bowlus’ perspective, it’s going to be interesting to see how she develops.
