Juanita High girl hits the gridiron

A female sophmore at Juanita High School in Kirkland joined dozens of guys this week in lacing up cleats and hitting the gridiron.

Kat Bechtel played junior varsity football for three years, and this year will join the varsity team, playing on both the offensive and defensive lines.

According to the National Federation of State High School Football Associations, more than 1,600 girls played high school football in the 2011-2012 season. This list included a 17-year-old Florida girl who will start as quarterback for her high school team.