The girls flag football team secured the league championship in their victory over the Carlmont Scots in a 19-18 nailbiter on Wednesday evening.
Redeeming last season’s 19-0 loss to Carlmont, the Bears’ defense served as a wall, preventing touchdowns at the most crucial moments, and clinching an interception in overtime. This battle between the two top teams in the league served as Carlmont’s first-ever loss in league play, upending Carlmont’s three-season winning streak as the Bears dethroned the Scots following two consecutive league championships.
Before the game, the team honored the class of 2026 seniors: Elise Koo, Simran Patel, Kelsey Gardner, Sulieta Cendejas, Allison Orzechowski, Samantha Ruiz, Bailee Van Loben Sels, Mae Kunihiro, Antonina Tangilanu, Samantha Shirley, Audrey Majzun*, Yajaira Ramos Gonzalez, Ryland Caelius, and Alex Alvarado.
“We were all just playing for the seniors. We really wanted to win,” quarterback Kunihiro said. “We’ve kind of had a little rivalry against Carlmont, but it meant so much and we’re so happy, especially the seniors.”
The Bears began on defense, and several quick pulls by linebacker Koo forced a Carlmont punt. Wide receiver Alvarado received the punt, advancing the ball 15 yards for M-A. Junior wide receiver Juliana Pandolfo found space off a smooth handoff, and to follow this up, Kunihiro connected with wide receiver Caelius on a cut.
Despite this, the Bears faced trouble advancing further and were ultimately forced to punt. On the return, the Scots weaved through defenders for a touchdown, giving them an early 6-0 lead with 5:20 left in the first quarter.
With the ball back in the Bears’ hands, junior halfback Emma Loose started off the possession strong with a run, followed by center Van Loben Sels catching a pass and cutting through the middle for more yardage. This was not enough to overtake the Carlmont defense, who forced a punt once again for the Bears. Koo immediately pulled the Scot receiver on the punt return, which was followed by a spectacular diving pull by junior linebacker Aryn Roodman to end the quarter, keeping M-A’s deficit at 6-0.
Alvarado brought strength to kick off the second quarter for the Bears with several quick pulls. However, the Scots were still able to advance the ball, scoring within the first minute to extend their lead, 12-0.
Hoping to bounce back on offense, Caelius caught a pass from Kunihiro and threw a lateral to junior wide receiver Mo’Rhai Balinton, who found her way through the Scots’ defense for eight yards. The Bears continued to push downfield thanks to Kunihiro, who found Pandolfo and Balinton on back-to-back catches.
Despite the progress, an incomplete long pass stunted their advancement and forced M-A to punt. Impressive defensive plays by M-A, including several sacks by Ruiz, fended off the Scots’ attempts at scoring, ending the half with the Bears down 12-0.
Refusing to let the deficit get to their heads, M-A started the third quarter with the ball, and Kunihiro strung together several consecutive passes to achieve a first down for the Bears. Kunihiro then connected with Van Loben Sels, who weaved through the Scots’ defense for a 10-yard gain.
A deep throw to Koo, followed by another cut from Van Loben Sels, moved M-A closer to the end zone. However, challenges still remained as Carlmont’s defense remained strong and forced M-A into a fourth down.
The Bears stayed determined, and a huge pass ahead by Kunihiro landed in the hands of Caelius to complete a 27-yard play to keep the drive alive. A short pass to Van Loben Sels gave way to a touchdown, putting M-A on the board, 12-6. With their newfound momentum, the Bears’ defense was stronger than ever, and multiple pulls by defensive back Ruiz and Pandolfo forced the Scots to punt.
Kicking off the fourth quarter, Kunihiro found space in the Carlmont defense and darted through for an 11-yard rush. A quick pass down the middle to Van Loben Sels gave M-A another first down, helping them advance closer to the goal line. Essential back-to-back runs by Balinton gave M-A their second touchdown of the game, evening the score at 12-12 with 7:30 left on the clock.
Numerous diving pulls by Pandolfo kept the energy and momentum high for M-A. As the Scots tried to make a move to regain the lead, Pandolfo swept in for a huge interception with just over two minutes remaining.
Unable to find success offensively, M-A quickly returned the ball to Carlmont. The Scots got off a quick pass, but the Bears’ defense remained strong with Roodman sweeping in for a pull.
As the clock continued to tick down, the Scots threw a Hail Mary pass to the end zone, but it was incomplete thanks to defensive pressure by Roodman. This marked the end of regulation, and a tied score of 12-12 called for overtime.
“We were all really scared, but we pushed through and then tied it at the end,” Kunihiro said. “I’m so proud, because we could have just kind of given up, but we didn’t. We pushed through the whole time.”
Starting off overtime with a bang, Kunihiro found a seam in the defense for a nine-yard rush. Following this, Kunihiro shot a pass to Koo, catching the ball in the end zone to give M-A their first lead of the game. A successful conversion extended the Bears’ lead to 19-12.
Even so, the game wasn’t over yet, as M-A’s defense was unable to prevent Carlmont from scoring. The Scots opted for a one-point conversion in an attempt to tie the game, but Balinton found her way into the passing lane for an interception to secure the victory for M-A, 19-18.
“We’re first in our league, pretty awesome,” Van Loben Sels said. “We lost to this team pretty badly last year, so it’s pretty cool to have an awesome comeback.”
“I mean, honestly, it meant so much, it’s hard to even describe,” Koo said. “We knew this was such an important game, and for it to be only our second year, and basically securing the league title.”
The Bears will face off against Woodside at Sequoia High School next Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. to conclude the regular season.
*Audrey Majzun is a journalist for the M-A Chronicle.
