Thomas, Gibbs stay amazing for Hillers

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: September 17, 2025

Imperial rusher Natalia Espino is surrounded by Grossmont defenders / Photo by Vic Marano

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

Gabi Thomas

FLETCHER HILS — Over a span of less than two minutes, Grossmont High flag football standout Gabi Thomas again proved why she stood out as one of Grossmont Conference players of the year from 2024.

Thomas not only displayed a nifty move to become wide open for the an easy game-breaking touchdown early in the fourth quarter, the senior broke up two of the next three plays on defense to prevent an Imperial High comeback in the Hillers’ 22-6 triumph over the powerful Tigers,

The non-league contest, held Tuesday (Sept. 16) at Lt. Adams Memorial Field, gave Grossmont a leg up on Imperial in regards to CIF power rankings and future postseason playing positioning.

While the Foothillers move their record to 12-2 — the secomnd-highesy win total in school history (and league play has yet to commence) — Imperial dropped to 12-3-2 overall after being held to a season-equalling low of just six points.

It should be noted, unlike many sports, girls flag football is a “big deal” in Imperial County, where most of the schools own winning records and play top competition.

For example, Imperial captured the Hoover Tournament earlier this season. Meanhilw, Vincent Memorial Catholic, located in Calexico, recently has members of the Scots named to th US Nation Under-17 flag team.

How many players from San Diego County were named? Try none.

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Game stuff

Following a miserable first half player under hot, humid conditions, Grossmont came out with a superior second half.

Hillers running back Mariyah Gibbs rushed for a pair of touchdowns,opening the scoring on a 40-yard burst to the left side toopen the scoring.

Imperial answered with its lone TD, but missedthe extra point last in the third period.

However, the fourth quarter belonged to Thomas.

On the next Grossmont possession, Hillers quarterback Marissa Farace almost did a double-take when she saw Thomas wide open at the goal line. Farace tossed a deep pass from midfield and Thomas soaked in the 32-yard pass with no defenders within 15 yards to make a flag pull.

Thomas, a two-way performer, then stopped the last real chance by the Tigers, Thomas broke up two of the next thee passes to forge a “puny,” with Gibbs making a pair of moves to avoid “tacklers” for a 50yards score to clinch the triumph.

On defense, Thomas was aided by quartervack sack by juinior Emma Hernanadez, wshile co-captrain Saraya Roope also broke up a half-dozen passes in the ballgame.

Next for Grossmont will be its Grossmont Hills League opener, hosting Santana next Tuesday (Sept. 23), starting at 7:15 p.m.

Quotes

Marissa Darace, GHS quarterback:

“”Unlike last season when we didn’t have a gtrerat runing game, with Mariyah (Gibbs) in the backfield, we can run or pass and find holes in the defense. Her running makes thing so much earier for me.”

Grossmont head coach Richie Lawrence:

“We played a horrible first half” the game waa scoreless at the intermission. “But we oput all of the pieces togteher in the second hs;g/ Wer played some terrific team ball on both sides of the line and took control of the game.”

Elsewhere

Steele Canyon 54, ECVHS 0

RANCHO SAN DIEGO – Steele Canyon senior Ily Barclay posted a trio of TD receptions, while the Cougars (10-2) posted their seventh shutout of the season to topple the visiting Braves.

While social meeting complains about the soft Steele Canyon schedule, we can now note a score of comparision: visiting Imperial defeated SCHS, 26-9, on Sept. 6.

West Hills 25, Pacific Ridge 12

CARLSBAD — In a meeting if schools which elected to start new flag football programs slowly and focvus on team develop, West Hills, in just its thirdcontest, out-lasted the host Pacific Ridge Firebords (0-2), 25-12, in Tuesday’s (Sept. 16) non-league affair.

Individual statistics were not reported.

Granite Hills 36, Valhalla 6

EL CAJON — This may noty have been a battle for the old Jamache Helmet, but host Granite Hills will take Tuesday’s ballgame held at Valley Stadium.

Individual statistics were not reported.

Our Lady of Peace 19, Patrick Henry 12

SAN CARLOS – Our Lady of Peace, which lacks a home field, continued its season-long trek of road games by stopping Patrick Henry, 19-12, in Tuesdays’s (Sept. 16) Western League contest.

The ballclubs were tied on the middle of the league standings, but with the win. the Pilots (5-6 overall) move to the top of the league table at 3-2. The Patriots (3-5 overall) dropped to 2-3.

Individual statistics were not reported.

Wed., Sept. 17

Santana 18, Rancho Bernardo 14

EANCHO BERNARDO – Santana junior quarterback Cameron Udvarhelyi rushed for 47 yards, inclduing a 10-yard touchdown, and passed for twoadditional scores to pace t in a road win in North County.

The Sultans saw freshman Paityn Miller haul in a 22-yard TD pass, but the biug play of the day was a 35-yard strike to Abbie Simmons for the junior’s lone reception.

All of the scoring by Santana (6-5 overall) came in the first half for an 18-12 lead.

The secoind-half defense was led by juniors Gabby Sneddon and Kaylah Sanchez, both finishing witha team-high 5 stops.

Senior linebacker Leila Beck posted a pair of sacks, while her pass-rush pressure led to interceptions by Kylee Aziz and Gabby Snedon.

The Sultans now own a 3-game win streak heading into next week’s GHL league opener at Grossmont.

Scoreboard

Tue., Set. 16
Grossmont 22, Imperial 6
Granite Hills 36, Valhalla 6
Steele Canyon 53, ECVHS 0
West Hills 26, at Pacific Ridge 12
Our Lady of Peace 19, at Patrick Henry 12

Wed., Sept. 17
Santana 18, at Rancho Bernardo 14
Westview 34, Helix 24