HENDERSON – Who say girls can’t play football with the boys?
    Don’t tell that to Prairie View junior Jenia Crail, who competed and earned a spot on the school’s varsity football team as a place kicker this season.
    So far, she has missed one of her point-after touchdown attempts; however, it wasn’t her fault because the snap wasn’t a clean one. Along with football, she excels in soccer and also plays for the school during the spring season.
   

“I didn’t play football my freshman and sophomore year because I played soccer for a club team that took a lot of my time,” Crail explained. “This year, I was hearing some people say that I should try out and I did. Then I ended up making varsity.”
    Crail’s experience playing with the boys started in eighth grade, where she was a defensive end and tackle for the middle-school team.
    “I just wanted to be able to say that I did it,” Crail said about her decision to play football.
    She would take some time to focus on soccer, but would eventually come back to football. The team has since embraced her and supported her, which makes her even more comfortable.
    “It’s nice to know that the team has my back, even when I miss a kick,” Crail said. “It’s a family type of atmosphere here. The team is close and works together, which makes us stronger in the end.”
    Head coach Rocky Schneider said, as of right now, she is the most accurate PAT kicker on the team.
    “I first met Jenia at the end of the year last year,” Schneider said. “She explained that she played soccer and wanted to try out for kicker. She has worked hard and has participated in our summer workouts and conditioning. As of right now she is the most accurate PAT kicker on the team.”
    Crail expects great things from her team. She mentions that the team’s close bond should act as a benefit, giving Prairie View an edge over other schools.
    “We hope to make state and represent our school,” Crail added.
    Crail doesn’t find anything wrong with playing in a male-dominated sport, especially if it’s what a person wants to do. She offers some advice for those who may be struggling or intimidated with the thought of playing football.
    “Do what is best for you, because that is all that matters,” Crail said. “When people try to discourage you or put you down, let that be motivation to push you more. Be the best you can be in anything you do.”
    Along with performing well on the field, and kicking 30-yard field goal comfortably, Crail also excels in the classroom. On the side, she sings choir and is taking two AP classes while maintaining a 4.2 GPA.

Contact Anthony Arroyo at sports@metrowestnewspapers.com or at 303-659-2522, ext. 224.