This ain’t simply Powder Puff anymore

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: November 8, 2023

2023 PREP GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS senior writer

FLETCHER HILLS — Twenty-five years ago, all — no exaggeration — of the top student-athletic at Valhalla High traveled across town to meet many of the top performers (sans softball) in what was then called a “powder puff” girls flag football contest. It was the first such contest in the Grossmont Conference, with hundreds — again, no exaggeration — attending to root for their schools.

Now in 2023, these barrier-breakers can take pride when the CIF San Diego Section opens its inaugural playoff championship in girls flag football.

East County will be represented by Grossmont, the No. 3 seed among the six schools in the Open Division. The Foothillers posted an 11-5 overall record, including a 7-3 mark while competing in the Metro Conference (most South Bay schools).

Among the 11 victories, five came via shutout, thanks to several standouts.

Police! Help! Thief!

In the National Football League when the Cleveland Rams relocated to Los Angeles, one of the Southland’s most popular players was future Hall of Fame inductee Dick “Night Train” Lane.

In Lane’s rookie season of 1952, the established a league record with 14 interceptions — a mark which still exists more than 70 seasons later. The defensive back even registered a safety while the high-flying Rams offense led the NFL in scoring.

Sorry, “Night Train.” Your record can now be considered as broken.

One of the leaders on the Grossmont defense is junior Xairah Gromus, a safety who also serves at quarterback.

Gromus posted a remarkable 18 picks this season; the second-best grabbed only four interceptions — Dahlia Blake and Siena Botkin.

The ballclub’s sack leader is sophomore Kaci Brownsberger.

Other standout defenders include senior Aubrey Wisniewski and junior Ashley Beard. Both are linebackers.

O-Zone

Gromus found superior assistance in senior senior Guliana Balistreri-Coleman.

Balistreri-Coleman topped allHillers receivers with 48.3 yards per contest, good for 11 touchdowns. She also posted a team-best 44.9 yards rushing, capping the regular season with 18 TDs.

Ranking second in scores is senior receiver Dahlia Blake with 12,

Looking ahead

Grossmont finished second in the Metro to Bonita Vista, as the host Barons rallied from an early deficit to nip the Hillers, 12-6, in gaining a split of the season series. Grossmont took the initial meeting, 19-13.

Thus, Bonita Vista gained the top sees as the best ballclub in CIFSDS play.

Tuesday, First Eound: Olympian won, 12-7

Meanwhile, Grossmont was placed in the opposite side of the playoff bracket. They will ost the winner of the Olympian-Mira Mesa game in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Nov. 9, starting at 6 p.m. from on-campus Lt. Mitchell Memorial Field — they own a sparkling 10-2 record at home.

The other seeds in Division I (there is n Open Division this season) are No. 2 Torrey Pines andNo. 4 Calexico.

In Division II, the top seeds are No. Classical Academyt, No. 2 Morse, No. 3 Cathedral Catholic, and No. 4 Our Lady of Peace,

The first-ever CIFSDS champions will be determine on Thurs., Nov, 16, at Escondido High School.

Links

Roster

2023 grOSSMONT FOothILLeRS ROSTER

1 Dahlia Blake S, WR • Sr.
2 Guliana Balistreri-Coleman 
WR, S, R • Sr.
3 Ashley Beard LB, RB, R • Jr.
4 Chloe Rodriguez profile R, C • Fr.
5 Xanaya Carpenter DB, WR • Jr.
6 Savannah Tucker LB • Jr.
7 Kaci Brownsberger R, RB • So.
8 D'Miyah Edmond C, WR • Jr.
9 Gabi Thomas RB, R • So.
10 Siena Botkin S, WR, DB • Jr.
11 Xairah Gromus S, QB • Jr.
12 Xariah McGordon WR, DB • So.
13 Aubrey Wisniewski LB, DB • Sr.
14 Cecilia Jimenez DB • Jr.
15 Panagiata Georggin DB • So.
16 Jasmin Flournoy LB • Jr.
17 Evin McDowell WR, S • Jr.
18 Saraya Roope WR, LB • Fr.
19 Olivia Morales DB, WR • Jr.
20 Leah Garcia DB • Fr.
21 CJ Wenck C • Jr.
22 Marissa Farace QB • So.
23 Arionna Simpson DB, WR • Fr.
24 Faythe Jordan LB, WR • Sr.
25 Allie Huntsman DB • Jr.
26 Kya Boldizar DB, WR • Sr.
28 Jaelyn Jensen DB, WR • Jr.