Photo courtesy of Mesa Public Schools
In a historic moment for the Grand Canyon State, Arizona has witnessed the crowning of its first-ever girls flag football state champions earlier this month! The inaugural AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) girls flag football playoffs featured thrilling games and unforgettable moments.
In the 6A championship showdown, it was #9 Mountain View that etched their name in the history books. Playing on their home turf, the Toros secured a state championship by defeating #11 Mountain Ridge with a nail-biting final score of 10-7. The victory marked the birth of the 6A flag football state title.
The Toros’ freshman quarterback, Tierah Metcalf, showcased her talent by throwing a crucial touchdown pass to sophomore Sadie Christensen during the first half. The Toros’ senior standout, Tessa Christensen, sealed the deal with a third-quarter field goal and made a pivotal interception in the game.
Meanwhile, in the 5A championship, Campo Verde emerged victorious by holding off Canyon View with a score of 14-13. The Coyotes’ sophomore quarterback, Isabella Pap, connected twice with junior wide receiver Madison Coger for crucial scores. Madison Coger not only contributed on offense but also made a significant impact on defense with two interceptions and a game-saving blocked extra point attempt in the final minutes.
These championship games showcased not only the outstanding athletic talent but also the grit, determination, and sportsmanship of Arizona’s young female athletes. As the first-ever girls flag football state champions, they have paved the way for future generations and made history that will be remembered for years to come.
