Patriots flag makes bid for rankings

2024 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

 

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

EL CAJON – A vastly more experienced Patrick Henry girls flag football team led throughout, claiming Thursday’s (Spe.t 19) nonj-league ballgame over host ranite hills, 22-12, at Valley Stadium.

Regan Jones

The Patriots (4-1 overall), featuring many players with three years of zc tion un cdert their belt — the sport has been CIF sanctioned for just two seasons — allowed them to score on their first possesion then maintain the advantage.

An early 8-0 lead saw the Patrick Henry defense hold the Eagles on a fourth down play from midfield. Thus, a short, 40-yard drive resulted in a score.

Patriots quarterback NRegan Jones fired a 10-yard scoring pass to Rosie Pastenes. On the 2-point conversion, Jones kept rolling to her right looking for her intended target, then tucked the ball and rushed the ball into the endzone.

Granite Hills, a first-year program, answered with a touchdown, but failed on its 2-point try.

Afterward, Henry controledd the balance of the game.

Much of the credit on the Pats defense went to cornerback Camille Underwood.

Camille Underwood

The senior posted an interception and knocked away several other passes as the Eagles went to a deep parring attack, which was countered when PHHS switched to one-on-one — “Man,” said Underwood. — coverage.

Except for an early-season setback to defending CIF champion Bonita Vista, the Pats have outscored four opponents by an 88-24 count, amking a bid to be included in the San Diego Section rankings by the San Diego Union-Tribune or the San Diego Prep History website (other sources of rankings on the web are deemed unreliable).

Patrick Henry added two more touchdowns Mia Ng and  Georgia Branam to mount a 22-6 cushion. The trio of TD scorers are all sophomores.

The ballclub is coached by Lonii Harper, who oens experience in both flag and tackle football, along with Patriots girls basketball.

However, Granite Hills (1-3 overall), which was shutout in its two previous starts, displayed a greatly improved offense.

The Eagles were intercepted just once, then scored late for the highest point total against the Patriots in any of their four victories.

Patrick Henry, the leaders of the Western League at 3-0, return to league play on Monday (Sept. 23) at Mira Mesa, First snap (not kickoff) is at 7 p.m.

Granite Hills also next plays on Monday, hosting powerful Chula Vista Community Learning Center — the Cobras — at 8 p.m.

Ramona 7, Oceanside 0

OCEANSIDE – The Ramona Bulldogs captured their first victory of the season in seven starts by posting a shutout of the host Oceanside Pirates, 7-0, Thursday (Sept. 19) at historic Oceanside Stadium.

The Pirates, coming off a 14-13 win over San Pasqual, fell to 1-5.

Next for the Dawgs is a home game against La Costa Canyon on Tuesday (Sept. 24) at 5 p.m.

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