Leah Monohan had no idea what to expect when she went out for the Lyons flag football team two years ago as a sophomore.
It was the first year for the program, so Monohan figured if nothing else, it’d be a fun, new sport to try.
She never envisioned that new sport taking off so quickly, both for herself and her teammates.
Lyons defeated Marist 21-19 on Oct. 17 at Willowbrook in the state third-place game.
“This is all amazing,” Monohan said. “I tried out on a whim sophomore year. I was very lucky and very fortunate to make the varsity my sophomore year. We’ve progressed so much to right now. We’re making history as we speak.”
It was Lyons’ first state trophy after losing in the sectional semifinals the last two seasons.
Monohan had five flag pulls and a pass breakup.
Juniors Isla Riboul (13 flag pulls) and Meg Robinson (interception) and senior June Smith (pass breakup, interception) all starred defensively.
“We had our hard times defensively (this year) where we struggled, but we persisted through all of it,” Monohan said. “We kept pushing each other to keep going further.”
While the defense slowed down a high-scoring Marist squad, Robinson, a junior wide receiver, and sophomore Evie Riopell handled the rest.
Riopell threw for 253 yards on 30-for-38 passing and four touchdowns with Robinson reeling in 11 catches for 104 yards and two TDs.
Juniors Taylor Hoffenberg (eight catches, 63 yards, TD) and Bianca Taylor (seven catches, 52 yards, TD) also starred.
Riopell and Robinson were a dynamic duo all season for Lyons.
“Evie’s throws have been perfect,” Robinson said. “Honestly, from the beginning of the season we’ve had such a strong connection. We sparked from the first play.”
Riopell threw for over 3,000 yards and 50 touchdowns this season. Robinson was her go-to target, piling up 1,000-plus yards and 20-plus TDs.
“Sometimes I can throw up a lob and Meg will go catch it,” Riopell said. “It’s just trust. We’re pretty good friends off the field, too. We have really good team chemistry. Everyone loves each other. There’s no beef or anything.”
Riopell and Robinson are also teammates in basketball.
It was flag football’s third IHSA-sanctioned season. The state finals were broadcast on WCIU, and the Chicago Bears have been big supporters of the emerging sport.
“It’s so cool. This is literally my dream,” Robinson said. “I’ve had that love for football since I was young. This team has had such a great connection with each other. We’re so close. It’s been fun.”
Lyons (17-3) trailed 13-6 at halftime but scored early in the third to go up 14-13.
The Lions then pulled away with a Riopell to Robinson 8-yard TD late in the third quarter.
Lyons beat Bradley-Bourbonnais 12-6 on Oct. 16 in the quarterfinals and then lost to Prospect 46-13 on Oct. 17 in the semifinals.