Piedmont High School’s girls football team is looking to take steps forward in Year 4 of the program. Coach Beth Black has a group of talented athletes.
It starts at quarterback, where junior Edie Elmquist enters her third season behind center.
“She has gotten stronger,” Black said. “Her awareness of the field is growing. Her ability to run is still there with increased hip movements to avoid flag pulls. And the leadership part is her next level and that’s helping bring our team together.”
The big question is who will be catching the ball. Senior Cea’naiya Alexander is in her third season with Elmquist.
“Naiya had two really good looks today,” Black said after the team lost to Acalanes 33-0 on Aug. 20. “She’s been consistent. I think that is going to emerge as our season progresses.”
Black said senior Skye Prata is new to the team this year.
“She is tough,” Black said. “Willing to dive. Her former volleyball self, she says: ‘Oh, diving is no big deal for me!’”
Black added that she has several speedy players that will give Elmquist more options.
Piedmont’s Anjali Bowers cuts on a run in a game with Acalanes. She is a versatile athlete who will be all over the field for the Highlanders. 
Junior Edie Elmquist is entering her third season as the starting quarterback for the Highlanders. 
Cory Minor cuts on a route in a game against Acalanes. Minor and the rest of the receiving corps will be a key to the season for the Highlanders.
On defense, the team will miss defensive back Dahlia Osman, who accumulated over 40 interceptions in three seasons.
“Dahlia was a force,” Black said. “We were wondering who is going take Dahlia’s place. No one will ever take Dahlia’s place. But our defense is strong. All parts of it. They’re solid. They’re locking it down. We’ve got athletes and we’ve got people that are really coming together as a competitive football team.”
Sophomore Avahnea Mafi and senior Agatha Filha Gama are two standouts on defense joining Sydney Latvala. The defense played well in the season opener, a 19-6 loss to Hercules on Aug. 18.
“What we’re doing is figuring out where those key plays are,” Black said. She added that the tough teams on the preseason schedule should bring out the best in her team.
Agatha Filha Gama will continue to play both ways for the Highlanders. Her speed should translate to pressure on opposing quarterbacks. 
Maddie Lee (purple) collides with a receiver during a game with Acalanes. The Highlanders defense is improved and will have to show toughness.
The key to the season?
“We’ve got to catch ball,” Black said. “This is the same thing from last year and that’s why in practice we’re taking steps to focus, to be intentional and to let that translate into the game.”