Plainedge flag football's Gianna Ponticello, Charlotte Norbury connect for three TDs vs. Bethpage
Charlotte Norbury of Plainedge scores another touchdown as Madison Crandon, left, and Jackie Frucci, right, come to congratulate her during a Nassau Conference II flag football game against Bethpage in North Massapequa on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Since Plainedge’s loss to Long Beach on March 24, its offense has been shredding through the competition.
Quarterback Gianna Ponticello and wide receiver Charlotte Norbury have helped keep Plainedge unbeaten since the early-season defeat.
The duo continued their dominance Thursday. Ponticello found Norbury for three touchdowns in the first half as host Plainedge beat Bethpage, 40-0, in Nassau II flag football.
“We’re really great friends on and off the field, and I know no matter what happens she’ll get me the ball,” Norbury said. “And we have great coaches. They are funny when they need to be and they are serious when they need to be, and they make us better people and players. On top of that, we have a very special team connection.”
Ponticello leads Nassau with 36 touchdown passes. Norbury leads Nassau with 14 receiving touchdowns.
“Gianna and Charlotte play all year long,” Plainedge coach Adam Hovorka said. “They treat it like the boys treat football. Gianna is incredibly accurate, and anyone who watches us knows we’re throwing it to Charlotte and they've been rolling.”
Senior Kate Franks started the scoring on Senior Day with a 20-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive that gave Plainedge a 7-0 lead with 8:14 left in the first quarter.
Then it became the Ponticello and Norbury Show. The pair connected for a 30-yard touchdown pass with 5:57 left in the first quarter and Plainedge led 20-0 after the opening frame.
Ponticello continued throwing perfect spirals to spark Plainedge (11-1-1). She connected with Norbury for touchdown passes of 36 and 26 yards in the second quarter. The Red Devils had a 33-0 lead at halftime.
“I just know I can count on everyone,” Ponticello said. “We play as one unit, and everyone did their job today. We fixed what had to be fixed earlier in the season with our coaches’ support, and everyone’s doing the best they can, playing well.”
Ponticello finished 9 of 12 passing for 227 yards and four touchdowns. She also scored a rushing touchdown. Norbury had four receptions for 100 yards and three scores. Since their lone defeat, Plainedge’s offense is averaging 30 points.
