One doesn't often equate a weasel with dominance. However, over the last six years, there seems no other word more appropriate to describe the Purple Weasels of Pasquerilla West's Interhall football program.
The team will begin its quest to reach its seventh consecutive semifinal and win its third championship in the last six years Sunday.
If there is a dynasty in girl's interhall flag football, it is the Weasels. The team won back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006. And now, after two straight seasons of heartbreaking playoff losses, they look to complete a perfect season with a third title.
The origin of this Purple Weasel dominance dates back several years and to one driving factor: their former rectress. Sister Sue Bruno was at the heart and soul of everything Purple Weasel football. As this year's senior co-captain Cynthia Curley said, there has perhaps never been a bigger Interhall football fan than Sister Sue.
"I think it's safe to say she was the driving force of our team," Curley said. "She was crazy about our football."
Sister Sue went to every Pasquerilla West football game without exception. But while most rector's and rectress' demeanor at interhall games tends to be more reserved, Sister Sue wasn't afraid to let her enthusiasm show.
"She had a cowbell at every single game, and would stand on the sidelines banging it repeatedly," senior co-captain Alyssa Moya said.
Sister Sue's support for the football team wasn't limited to the field; her love for Weasel football extended into the dorm as well.
"She refused to Res-Life or fine any PW football players," Curley said. "She did all she could to keep us from getting in any sort of trouble."
Sister Sue left Notre Dame after the 2008 school year, but her legacy has lived on. This year, the Weasels are 6-0 and captured the top seed in their division heading into the playoffs, and as the captains said, this might be the best Weasel team to date.
"In the past, we've had some really talented players, but we always had some weak spots," Curley said. "This year we have the most even spread out athleticism I've ever seen. Our defense has been untouchable and our offense, when it gets going, is almost machine-like."
The girls have also grown particularly close off the field. They regularly have team dinners and get-togethers to hang out, talk football strategy, and get any disorientation out of the way before their game.
"The team camaraderie is by far the best since we've been here," Curley said. "Unity-wise, we are there."
The girls will start their quest for championship number three when they face McGlinn (3-2-1) Sunday at 1 p.m. Among other things, the Weasels will be looking to consolidate the notion that they are, as Curley described, truly a "dynasty program."
