Watching Central Junior High’s ninth-grade football team practice, one might notice the usual things taking place. The team runs around from drill to drill, honing their skills on everything from catching, route running and tackling.

Another thing one may notice is the long brown hair dangling down from the back of one player’s helmet.

No, this long hair is not from a boy in need of a haircut. The hair belongs to Brandy Padilla, the only girl on Central Junior High’s football team.

Padilla, a self described “tomboy,” had never really played competitive sports before. But she received plenty of encouragement upon mentioning the idea of playing football earlier in the summer.

“My friends said I’d be good at tackling people,” Padilla said. And being good at tackling people is something Padilla’s oldest brother, Chad, can attest to.

“She’s pretty tough for a girl,” her brother said. “I should know.”

Padilla’s toughness showed after she sat out a portion of the Mustangs’ second day of practice because of the heat and being tired.

But Mustangs coach Scott Petry said it wasn’t uncommon for non-traditional athletes like Padilla to feel a little overwhelmed early on.

“They think they know what they’re getting into,” Petry said. “But when they put on the pads they don’t understand the physicality and the speed of the game. It can be hard to adjust.”

Padilla soon came back and rejoined that afternoon’s practice and then played hard all through practice the next day.

One reason for her improved stamina may be because Padilla has developed a strategy before the following days workout.

She takes an extra nap after practice and drinks plenty of water and Gatorade to help keep her hydrated. As a result, her play on the field has improved, and Petry has taken notice.

“I don’t know where she’ll play,” Petry said. “She’s got a ways to go yet, but she’s got a chance to contribute.”

The Mustangs’ regular season begins Aug. 31 with an away game against Prairie Trail in Olathe. And certain to be at the game cheering her on his sister, will be Padilla’s brother Chad.

“As soon as I heard she was playing sports, I got really into it,” he said. “I’m gonna go to all her games and root her on. I’m really proud of her.”

And Chad, a former football player himself, had little doubt as to how his sister will fare this season playing a male-dominated sport.

“She’s able to do what she needs to do to get it done,” he said. “She has strong willpower.”