The Senior division of the Murfreesboro Football League is made up of four teams in the 12-13 year old division. And on one of those teams, the Patriots, one player is unique to the other players. That athlete is a girl and the only female in the M.F.L. this season. 

Abigail Blythe is a student at Siegel Middle School and a linebacker and running back for the Pats. And her journey to the gridiron was one of always wanting to do what others said she could not do.  

"I was a cheerleader on my brothers team several years ago," said Blythe, whose brother also plays in the M.F.L. in the 8-9 year old  tackle division. "But what I really wanted to do was play tackle football. And people said I couldn't play because I was a girl. But I knew that I could and wanted to show them I could. I have played Flag Football but tackle football is what I love."

And ask her favorite part of the game she quickly say defense. "I love to hit. I love to tackle and be in on every play", is her response. 

It has been an adjustment for the players on the Patriots just as it has for Blythe. The coach explained to them at their first practice that she is a team mate and will be treated as a team mate.  

"At first it was somewhat awkward for us as it was awkward for her," said Caleb White, captain of the Pats. "Kinda weird for all of us. But she is one of us now. She plays hard, hits hard and works hard at getting better like we all do. She really does fit in. I am glad she is on our team."

Martin Major is the head coach of the Patriots. He was an assistant for the Jets last season in the M.F.L. Senior division. 

"She is a very impressive young lady," said Major. "I saw her at the try outs I just had to draft her and I am really glad I did.  "She listens to instruction, she responds to the instruction and gives one hundred precent all the time. She is showing some of these young men how to play the game."

"I have always wanted to do things that they say a girl can't do," said Blythe. "And I always feel good when I tell people yes I can and then show them I can." 

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The Senior division of the Murfreesboro Football League is made up of four teams in the 12-13 year old division. And on one of those teams, the Patriots, one player is unique to the other players. That athlete is a girl and the only female in the M.F.L. this season. 

Abigail Blythe is a student at Siegel Middle School and a linebacker and running back for the Pats. And her journey to the gridiron was one of always wanting to do what others said she could not do.  

"I was a cheerleader on my brothers team several years ago," said Blythe, whose brother also plays in the M.F.L. in the 8-9 year old tackle division. "But what I really wanted to do was play tackle football. And people said I couldn't play because I was a girl. But I knew that I could and wanted to show them I could. I have played Flag Football but tackle football is what I love."

She explains the biggest issue has been getting adjusted to the type of workouts that are required in the M.F.L. The push ups and agility drills are but a few, but as the weeks have progressed through preseason and into the season, she claims she has adapted and feels good about her practices and her play on the field.

And ask her favorite part of the game she quickly say defense. "I love to hit. I love to tackle and be in on every play", is her response.  It has been an adjustment for the players on the Patriots just as it has for Abigail. The coach explained to them at their first practice that she is a team mate and will be treated as a team mate.  

"At first it was somewhat awkward for us as it was awkward for her," said Caleb White, captain of the Pats. "Kinda weird for all of us. But she is one of us now. She plays hard, hits hard and works hard at getting better like we all do. She really does fit in. I am glad she is on our team."

Stacey Blythe, Abigail's mother, is her number one fan. She is at every practice and game.  

"She has begged me to let her play tackle football for years," said Stacy Blythe.  "And I had been encouraged to let her play by other coaches so I decided to let her try out." "I talked to the coach and told him she will do whatever you ask her do but to to teach her to tackle and play safely and everything would be fine and everything has been. I am really proud of her. She is a great kid."

Martin Major is the head coach of the Patriots. He was an assistant for the Jets last season in the M.F.L. Senior division.  

"She is a very impressive young lady," said Major. "I saw her at the try outs I just had to draft her and I am really glad I did." "She listens to instruction, she responds to the instruction and gives one hundred precent all the time. She is showing some of these young men how to play the game."

Besides being a cheerleader and playing Flag Football, Abigail has ran track and has tennis as part of her athletic resume.

"I have always wanted to do things that they say a girl can't do," said Abigail. "And I always feel good when I tell people yes I can and then show them I can."

Source: 

This story was written by Jim Davis/Murfreesboro Parks & Rec. Davis also took the above photograph.