Brielle Susmarski, 9, of Norridge runs drills during practice with the Vikings of the Norridge Youth Activities football league, which is run by the Norridge Park District. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Brielle Susmarski, 9, of Norridge was a cheerleader for years for the Norridge Youth Activities football league before switching to play football this year. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Brielle Susmarski (center), 9, of Norridge huddles with Vikings teammates (from left) Lenny O’Connor, 9, of Norridge, Leonard Patina, 9, of Norridge, Patrick Owens, 11, of Norridge and John Wachala, 11, of Norridge. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Quinn Neace, 10, of Chicago runs with the ball during practice with the Norridge Youth Activities. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Brielle Susmarski, 9, of Norridge puts on her helmet during practice with the Norridge Youth Activities at the Norridge Park District. She is currently the only girl playing for the league. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

From left, Brielle Susmarski, 9, of Norridge, John Wachala, 11, of Norridge, Lenny O’Connor, 9, of Norridge, Patrick Owens, 11, of Norridge and Leonard Patina, 9, of Norridge take a water break. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

From left, Patrick Owens, 11, of Norridge, Alex Dobric, 11, of Norridge, Max Kulevich, 9, of Norridge, Bobby Mescall, 9, of Norridge and Brielle Susmarski, 9, of Norridge take a water break during practice. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

Lenny O’Connor (left), 9, of Norridge and Max Kulevich, 9, of Norridge push against each other during practice drills. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media

John Wachala (center), 11, of Norridge runs play patterns with Patrick Owens (left), 11, of Norridge and Lenny O’Connor, 9, of Norridge during practice. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media