Sultans make ‘point,’ edge Olympian

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: September 1, 2026

Santana quarterback Ava Darling / Vic Marano

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP FLAG FOOTBALL

ECS staff report

CHULA VISTA — Santana quarterback Ava Darling fired three touchdown passes in the second half and, just as importantly, converted a pair of PAT passes to help the Sultans grab the lead in a 20-13 comeback victory over host Olympian on Monday (Aug. 31).

The Eagles held a 6-0 halftime lead, but Darling came alive in the second half with a pair of touchdown passes to junior Brynn Warren and another to sophomore Breezy Udvarhelyi.

Santana, which has ranked near the bottom in PAT conversions for more than a season, changed that against Olympian. Lacy Heath caught the extra-point passes following the Sultans’ first two touchdowns, giving Santana a 14-13 advantage.

Darling finished with 183 passing yards, including a 27-yard completion to Warren. With Olympian employing a deep-zone defense designed to prevent big plays, the Sultans patiently worked the underneath passing game.

Warren collected nine passes for 129 yards, both career highs for the junior receiver.

The Santana defense was paced by seniors Kaylah Sanchez and Gabby Sneddon, who recorded seven flag pulls apiece. Warren followed with four.

Sneddon also tied the Grossmont Conference record with three interceptions, adding 38 yards on her returns.

Overall, the Sultans intercepted five Olympian passes. Sarah Putzbach and Sanchez recorded the other two thefts.

Santana (2-2 overall) has one final game before the holiday break, hosting Grossmont on Thursday (Sept. 3) at Santee Community Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.

— Nick Pellegrino