Video: Who said girls can't play football?
See Katherine Ristola's big hit.If there was any misconception that girls can't tackle,
Katherine Ristola of
Churchill (Livonia, Mich.) put that notion to rest with her touchdown-saving hit against Plymouth (Mich.).
The backup kicker for the Chargers, Ristola kicked off to Plymouth and trailed the play at midfield. When the Plymouth kick returner broke into the open, Ristola raced to the sideline and lifted the ballcarrier off his feet with a chest-high tackle.
A defensive back and wide receiver as well, Ristola doesn't shy away from contact, according to teammate Connor Drake.
"She doesn't need protection," Drake told the Detroit Free Press. "She's tough. She can handle herself. We don't worry about her."
Ristola has played football in the Churchill program since her freshman year. She scored an extra point in a 42-13 win over Monroe in the first game of the season. She has also been a member of the school soccer team as a goalie.
