Egg Harbor Township was the first team to seal its spot in the West Jersey Football League’s girls flag football playoffs, clinching the American Division with a 12-0 victory over Pleasantville on May 16. The Eagles finished 6-2 overall with a perfect 5-0 divisional record, more than enough to book their date with Absegami in the league semifinals at the NovaCare complex today in Philadelphia.
A significant factor in the Eagles’ recent dominance? Quarterback Presley Devivo.
Devivo, only a sophomore, started the season seeing minimal snaps in a three-quarterback system, sharing duties with junior Annie Reed and senior Kiki Schlemo.
Game by game, she threw her way into the starting role, literally. In her last four games, she’s completed 19 passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 95 yards and a score on the ground. In her most recent game, a 26-6 non-divisional victory over Oakcrest, she completed 9-of-14 passes for 210 yards and four touchdowns.
“Presley wasn’t sure what position she wanted to play coming into the season and played a little bit at receiver, defensive back and quarterback,” coach Cameron Bell said. “She finally dove head first into our offensive playbook and really took a firm grasp on the quarterback position. She’s the consummate teammate and thinker that is always trying her best to improve herself and the team. She has a leadership quality that you don’t see often in a sophomore. Especially in the first year of a program.”
Get to know Presley Devivo as correspondent Brian Tortella asked her some questions prior to the final week of preparation before today’s WJFL semifinal — and possible championship game for the Eagles!
Tortella: What made you decide to start playing flag football?
Devivo: A few of my friends encouraged me to play for the team. I thought trying a new sport would be a lot of fun, so I decided to try it out and I’m so glad I did.
Tortella: What has this season been like for you? I know it must have been a challenge competing and eventually taking over the starting QB role.
Devivo: This season has been so much fun for me. I love all the girls on the team and playing with them has been amazing. I was willing to play any position but once I found out I could possibly be the starting QB, I just really wanted to show coach Bell that I could fill that role for the team.
Tortella: How cool is it to be a part of the first-ever EHT flag football team, and what does it mean to you?
Devivo: It’s such a fun experience being a part of the first EHT girls flag football team. It feels so special being able to experience this season for the first time with all the girls.
Tortella: How have you been practicing to prepare for Absegami, and what is your expectation for that game?
Devivo: For the game against Absegami, I’ve been really working on my timing and accuracy with my throws. I like to get the most out of practice and I also practice with a few friends and family at home. I expect this game to be a good one, with some challenges, but I believe EHT will come out with a win.
Tortella: What’s the first thing you’ll do if you win the WJFL championship?
Devivo: Celebrate with all the girls on the team and get one big team dinner.
Tortella: What’s going through your mind knowing that you’ll get to play where the Philadelphia Eagles practice?
Devivo: I’m super excited to play where the Eagles play, I think it will definitely be a fun experience.
Tortella: What’s the most enjoyable part of being a high school athlete?
Devivo: I love being a high school athlete because I get to represent my school. Meeting so many new people, and the environment is really the best part for me.
Tortella: What do you like most about coach Bell?
Devivo: His character. He works hard to teach all of us how to play the game well and allows us to understand it. He also has a very fun side that I have grown up knowing, and I love that I get to have someone like Cameron Bell as my coach.
Tortella: What do you like the most about EHT High?
Devivo: The opportunities I have to participate in any sport, club or activity. The school also has so many courses that any student could take.
Tortella: Who was your favorite athlete growing up and why?
Devivo: I loved Alex Morgan on the Women’s USA soccer team because I’ve played soccer my whole life.
Tortella: What’s your go-to snack food?
Devivo: Apples and peanut butter.
Tortella: If someone gave you a plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Devivo: I would choose Greece because I’ve never been and really want to go.
Tortella: Who’s your favorite artist and what’s your favorite song?
Devivo: My favorite artist is Lil Uzi Vert and my favorite song is 20 min by him.
Tortella: What kind of things do you do when you have some down time?
Devivo: During my down time I love being outside and being social with friends and family. I’ve recently gotten into running and I love to read. I enjoy shopping and going out to eat as well.
