Fox Chapel flag football gets off on right foot with win in 1st game – Trib HSSN

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 11:01 AM
Fox Chapel junior defender Melanie Pietz pursues Seneca Valley quarterback Abbi Speicher on March 20 at Fox Chapel’s Burk Stadium. (Courtesy of Fox Chapel Area Athletics)
Fox Chapel freshman Sara Squeglia scores a touchdown in the Foxes’ 21-8 victory over Seneca Valley, the first win in program history, on March 20 at Fox Chapel’s Burk Stadium. (Courtesy of Fox Chapel Area Athletics)
Fox Chapel freshman Josephina Franchino carries the ball downfield against Seneca Valley on March 20 at Fox Chapel’s Burk Stadium. (Courtesy of Fox Chapel Area Athletics)
Fox Chapel sophomore Morgan McMahon-Robinson rus against Seneca Valley on March 20 at Fox Chapel’s Burk Stadium. (Courtesy of Fox Chapel Area Athletics)
The Fox Chapel girls flag football team got the boost it needed during its inaugural game against Seneca Valley. The Foxes got through the growing pains associated with a first game with a 21-8 win.
Fox Chapel had to learn quickly, as the Foxes played three times during their first week.
“They were super pumped and extremely proud,” Fox Chapel coach Brandon Rios said. “We were proud of their compete level. We had a lot of success during that game. That allowed them to buy in pretty quickly.”
Fox Chapel is off to a 2-1 start, as it lost to North Allegheny, 14-13, and beat Neighborhood Academy, 32-12.
During the Foxes’ season opener, freshman Josie Franchino scored the first touchdown in program history. Fox Chapel doubled its lead when Sara Squeglia intercepted a pass and ran it back for a score.
Franchino also delivered a pick-six of her own to close out the scoring against the Raiders. Seneca Valley scored late but didn’t seriously threaten Fox Chapel’s lead.
“It’s coachspeak, but we told them that each play matters and to do your best on the next play,” Rios said.
During the loss to the Tigers, Fox Chapel led 13-0 at the half. North Allegheny rallied and scored the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds remaining.
“It was a cold night that night,” Rios said. “We were proud of their demeanor. They were going out and playing their game. We were there. We didn’t walk away from that game feeling down.”
Since Fox Chapel is playing a 15-game section schedule, Rios said he was happy to see the team get off to a strong start.
The weather forced some changes to the schedule. A game was moved, so they had to play three in a week.
Fox Chapel was scheduled to face Mars on March 26 at home. The results of that game were too late for this edition. The Foxes will then have a 10-day break before taking on Hampton.
“They enjoyed being with one another,” Rios said. “It’s been wonderful to see their chemistry with one another, even if they make mistakes. The attitude has been positive. I think they are learning the game, and I think as coaches, we’ve tried to create that attitude of wanting to enjoy the game, have fun and compete.”
Tags: Fox Chapel