Braves’ rally goes for naught

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: August 27, 2026

El Cajon Valley senior Kaylanii Moore, shows the ball to approaching teammate after ger game-winning tochdown pass in the fourth quarter / Photo by Nick Pellegribo

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FLAG FOOTBALL

ECS staff report

EL CAJON — El Cajon Valley rallied from a 13-point deficit behind a “Pick 6” interception by McKinley Morgan and a fourth-and-goal touchdown reception by Kaylanii Moore, leading the Braves to a dramatic 19-18 decision over visiting El Centro Central in Thursday’s (Aug. 27) flag football contest at Priest Field.

However, the outcome went for naught.

The contest was reclassified as a scrimmage moments before the opening kickoff after game officials failed to materialize for the contest.

ECVHS coaches and school officials noted afterward that they spoke to the referees association’s assignment secretary, who claimed the game was not on the schedule. However, a check of both schools’ websites, MaxPreps, East County Sports and other media outlets showed the contest listed.

Assistant coaches from both teams ultimately oversaw the event, which will be recorded as a no-contest for the schools.

That was unfortunate for El Cajon Valley, which fell behind early after three pass deflections by the Spartans’ defense resulted in turnovers on downs.

The Braves finally seized the momentum when Morgan raced more than 50 yards with an interception return for a touchdown with 55.2 seconds left in the third quarter.

Jhovana Granado closed the quarter with another interception, setting up the Braves in Spartans territory.

Moore gained 11 yards on a sweep to the right for a first-and-goal, but a snap over the quarterback’s head pushed the ball back near the Central 20-yard line.

However, Moore crossed the middle of the field on her pass route before racing to the corner of the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 8:54 remaining.

Because the contest was a scrimmage, it was called with 54 seconds left when a timer turned off the stadium lights.

Braves quarterback Natalie Flores finished with a pair of touchdown passes.

— Nick Pellegrino