Women’s A – Elite Excellence and High Stakes Drama + Lara Uzoka Interview

FlagPlus Football’s Women’s Division A continues to deliver on every front — with unbeaten powerhouses, standout stars, and the looming heartbreak of one team being left on the outside of the playoff picture.

Subzero (7-0) has established themselves once again as the undisputed championship favorite, combining Sara Parker’s efficient quarterback play (73.5% completion, 123.3 rating) with a deep receiving core led by Mathilde Sybille. Meanwhile, at the bottom, Les Crocs (1-5) face the humiliation of missing playoffs entirely in a division where six of seven teams advance to the postseason.

Rising Star Making Her Mark

We caught up with IceCold’s Lara Uzoka to discuss her backround and the competitive landscape of Women’s Division A.

Q: How did you get started in flag football, and what drew you to the sport initially?

Lara: It was actually a friend in high school who suggested I try flag football. I started playing when I was 14, before Covid, just for fun. But it was really in my last year of high school that I discovered a true passion for it. What draws me to the sport and keeps me playing is how it challenges me both physically and mentally, it’s not just about running fast, but also reading plays, thinking ahead, and making quick decisions under pressure. I also love the community—everyone is so supportive and encouraging. It feels like a family where we all push each other to improve and celebrate each other’s successes.

Q: What’s your athletic background before joining FlagPlus Football?

Lara: I was a gymnast for 9 years and competed at the provincial level, which really helped me develop strength, coordination, and body awareness. In high school, I also did track, mainly sprinting and high jump, which improved my speed, explosiveness, and power. Gymnastics taught me discipline, focus, and how to push through mental barriers, while track gave me that quickness and athleticism. Both sports built a strong foundation that I’ve been able to transfer into flag football today.

Q: Who has been your biggest mentor or influence in flag football?

Lara: My biggest mentor has definitely been my coach, AJ. I’ve only been his athlete for about two years, but I’ve learned so much from him in that time. He’s one of my biggest supporters and always pushes me to be better. With his guidance, I’ve been able to reach a level where I’ll be playing next season on one of the best teams in Canada in the university circuit. I’ve learned not just about flag football from him, but also how to approach the game with confidence and discipline. He truly loves to share his passion with his athletes, and I’ve built an incredible relationship with him over these years.

Q: What keeps you motivated to come back each season and compete at this elite level?

Lara: What keeps me motivated is knowing there’s always something to improve on. Every season, I see how much I’ve grown, but I also see how much more I can learn. Competing at this level pushes me to be my best. I also love the team atmosphere, the friendships and bonds I’ve built make it so worth it. And honestly, I just love the game. The adrenaline, the strategy, and the feeling of making a great play keep me coming back every time.

Q: What advice would you give to women considering joining FlagPlus Football for the first time?

Lara: My biggest advice would be to never underestimate your potential, no matter the obstacles. It’s so important to believe in yourself, even when you face challenges—whether physical or mental. This sport is an incredible way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, build self-confidence, and connect with people who share the same passions. Also, not to be intimidated by coed teams. The guys are welcoming and want to include you and see you grow. Finally, not to be afraid to dream big. Opportunities exist in flag, whether that’s making a higher division team, representing your province or country, or simply becoming the best version of yourself on the field. Sometimes it’s just a matter of persevering and giving yourself permission to chase those dreams.

Q: How has the IceCold team chemistry evolved throughout the season, especially during the challenging moments?

Lara: Our chemistry has evolved a lot by helping each other and always asking questions to learn and grow together. We’re still figuring out this team because we all come from different teams and systems, so it’s been a process of learning how to play as one. But what makes us special is that we’re all young athletes who want to be the best versions of ourselves. We’re willing to support each other and push each other to improve. Even in challenging moments, that mindset keeps us united. We still have a lot to learn, but with time, I know this team can build something really special.

Q: Which player in Women’s A do you think doesn’t get enough recognition for their performance?

Lara: I’d say Athena Ryan, she’s such a smart and talented player. Her reads are quick, her throws are accurate, and she stays so calm under pressure. She’s also been through a lot, but she keeps coming back stronger every time. I feel like she doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves, but she plays a huge role in her team’s success and her strength is an inspiration for a lot of us.

Q: The division has incredible two-way players – how important is versatility at this level of competition?

Lara: Versatility is huge at this level. Being able to play both sides of the ball makes you so valuable to your team. The competition is intense, and having players who can step up on offense and defense gives teams a real edge. Plus, understanding both sides helps you read the game better overall. Those versatile players really stand out because they can impact the game no matter where they’re lined up, and that’s what makes this division so competitive and exciting to watch.

Q: What has been your favorite flag memory so far?

Lara: I’ve had so many, but my favorite has to be our win at the Football Québec tournament. It was my last ever tournament with my cegep team, and we performed extremely well. I was proud of how we played together, and winning Defensive MVP made it even more special. Another one that stands out is winning the 2024 women’s championship game in FPF. It was one of my best performances, and sharing that win my team was unforgettable.

Q: What are your long-term flag goals?

Lara: My long-term goals are to keep growing as a player and compete at the highest levels possible. I want to keep improving my skills, football IQ, and confidence so I can make an impact on any team I play for. Eventually, I’d love to represent Team Canada and go to the Olympics. I also want to win a championship and grow with my future team at Concordia. I’m really determined to bring my best to that program. Beyond that, I want to inspire more girls to join flag and maybe even coach one day to give back to the community that has given me so much.

---

Week 6: Championship Statements and Playoff Positioning

Week 6 delivered two crucial results that further clarified the championship picture while intensifying the playoff race.

Cayenne’s Dominant Statement

Cayenne delivered a resounding 26-6 victory over IceCold that showcased why they remain serious championship contenders with their 4-1 record. Clara Beaudoin stepped up as QB and was great completing 27 of 42 passes for 243 yards and 4 touchdowns with 2 interceptions.

The victory highlighted Cayenne’s incredible quarterback depth, with Sandrine Gobeil-Huot boasting a perfect 90.9% completion rate and 149.1 QB rating in limited action this season. This offense has so many elite players.

IceCold, despite the loss, still showed they possess some of the division’s most talented individuals. This team is still building, don’t be surprised if they upset a strong team in the playoffs.

BLEU POUD’s Crucial Victory

BLEU POUD secured a vital 25-13 victory over Matrix in a game that could prove decisive in the standings. Emmanuelle Bronsard is efficient and effective, completing 84 of 124 passes for 887 yards and 16 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions across the season. Her 67.7% completion rate and 121.2 rating have been instrumental in keeping BLEU POUD competitive.

Julia Paradis Roberge continues to be their most consistent target with 32 catches for 312 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season.

Matrix struggled to find offensive rhythm despite having elite players. The loss puts additional pressure on their remaining games.

The Championship Favorite: Subzero’s Perfect Formula

Subzero has established themselves as the clear championship favorite through seven weeks of perfect football. Their 7-0 record and +118 point differential represent more than just wins—they’ve one again found the perfect balance between offensive efficiency and defensive opportunism.

Sara Parker has been the steady hand at quarterback, completing 73.5% of her passes for 1,238 yards and 23 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions. Her 123.3 QB rating reflects both accuracy and smart decision-making, while her ability to spread the ball around makes Subzero incredibly difficult to defend.

Mathilde Sybille has emerged as one of Parker’s favorite targets, hauling in 26 catches for 343 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 5 games. Her 13.2 yards per catch shows she can make plays both underneath and downfield, giving Subzero a reliable offensive foundation.

The supporting cast provides crucial depth: Sarah Cormier (36 catches, 296 yards, 5 TDs), Caroline Moquin-Joubert (16 catches, 213 yards, 5 TDs) ensure that Parker always has multiple options available.

Defensively, Subzero creates turnovers without relying on any single player. Rachelle Vallieres (18 tackles, 2 INTs), and Tamara Journeau (23 tackles, 2 INTs) highlight a defense that has suffocated opposing teams all season.

Elite Individual Excellence Across the Division

Women’s Division A showcases some of the most impressive individual talent in FlagPlus Football, with players excelling at both specialized roles and two-way contributions.

Quarterback Excellence

Sandrine Gobeil-Huot’s 90.9% completion rate and 149.1 QB rating represent near-perfection in limited action for Cayenne. Her efficiency provides a fascinating contrast to higher-volume quarterbacks, showing that precision can be just as valuable as production.

Sara Parker leads the way with her 73.5% completion rate, 1,238 yards, and 23 touchdowns for undefeated Subzero, posting an impressive 123.3 QB rating.

Emmanuelle Bronsard has been crucial for BLEU POUD, with her 887 yards and 16 touchdowns providing consistent offense. Her 67.7% completion rate and 121.2 rating show she is slowly working her way into the “Best QB” conversation.

Athena Ryan of IceCold leads the division in attempts (224) and yards (1,519) while throwing 24 touchdowns, though her 16 interceptions highlight the some growing pains. Her 55.4% completion rate and 82.4 rating reflect both volume and room for growth.

Receiving Dominance

Ashley Longin’s 30 catches for 475 yards and 8 touchdowns for IceCold represent elite production despite her team’s struggles. Her 15.8 yards per catch shows she’s a legitimate deep threat who can change games with single plays.

The receiving depth across the division is remarkable: Emma Racine’s 15.4 yards per catch for Cayenne, Sara Maude Harvey’s 14.6 average for Monarchs, and Maria Mansseri’s 16.3 average for IceCold all demonstrate the explosive playmaking ability at this level.

Defensive Impact Players

Audrey Lajoie leads the division with 5 interceptions while contributing 17 tackles for BLEU POUD. Her ability to impact games makes her one of the division’s most valuable players.

Elodie Lachapelle’s 27 tackles and 4 interceptions for IceCold showcase elite defensive production. Her tackling combined with ball-hawking ability makes her a complete defensive player.

Sara-eve Asselin leads all defenders with 39 tackles for IceCold, while Laeticia Ngaleu’s 30 tackles and 8 pass deflections demonstrate consistent coverage ability. Abigaelle Perrault of Matrix ranks second with 34 tackles.

The Playoff Race: Six Spots, One Elimination

With six teams advancing to playoffs, the race is less about making the postseason and more about avoiding the devastating embarrassment of being left behind.

Secure Playoff Positions:

• Subzero (7-0) has clinched a playoff spot with their perfect record
• Cayenne (4-1) sits comfortably in second place with elite talent
• Monarchs (4-3) are solidly in third place

Fighting for Position:

• BLEU POUD (2-3) holds the fourth playoff spot but need to beat a top team
• Matrix (2-5) faces pressure but has enough talent to secure a spot
• IceCold (2-5) clings to the final playoff position despite individual excellence

Facing Elimination:

• Les Crocs (1-5) sits in the dreaded seventh position, having scored just 63 points all season with a crushing -122 point differential

The mathematics are stark: Les Crocs must turn around their season immediately or face the ultimate humiliation of missing playoffs in a division where everyone else gets a second chance. Their offensive struggles (63 points in 6 games) suggest deep issues that may be impossible to overcome.

IceCold’s situation is particularly compelling—they possess elite talent but sit just one spot ahead of elimination. Their -31 point differential suggests they’re vulnerable despite individual excellence.

Week 8 Preview: Final Regular Season Push

The upcoming Week 8 schedule features games that could finalize playoff seeding and determine Les Crocs’ fate. With most teams having played 7 games (Cayenne and BLEU POUD at 5, Les Crocs at 6), the final games carry significant weight for positioning and pride.

---

Women’s Division A exemplifies elite flag football at its finest, where championship dreams and elimination nightmares coexist in the most competitive environment. Subzero’s perfect season sets the standard, while some individual stars prove that excellence transcends team records.