In the third game of the girls varsity flag football’s first ever season, the Palo Alto High School Vikings (0-2) fell to the Santa Clara Bruins (14-4) at Palo Alto High School, in a closely contested match (6-12) filled with strong defense from both sides. The Bruins having played more games were the more experienced team coming into this game.
According to Viking junior team captain and quarterback Kailia Leming, her team does not have many players with prior experience.
“One of the girls on our team has had one year of flag football experience in sixth grade, and Lara Saslow is the kicker on the boy’s football team,” Leming said.
The Bruins started off strong, intercepting a pass on the Vikings’ first possession and quickly converted it into a touchdown within the first nine minutes of the game. However, an interception by Viking junior Zoe Quintana, followed by a touchdown scored by Leming, put the Vikings back in the game. However the Vikings’ success was short lived as the Bruins fought back with a deep ball caught by Bruins senior Aviana Rangel. The Bruins scored another touchdown, ending the first half 6-12 in favor of the Bruins.
Viking head coach Bradford Exantus said the Vikings’ strategy going into the game was simple.
“The mindset is to really focus on defense,” Exantus said. “They had some sets that we’ve never seen before, and we did a good job containing them. They just had some key plays that took the ball all the way.”
Not giving up, the Vikings continued to push forward. Despite the Bruins’ offensive pressure by Rangel, the Viking defense held strong. Nonetheless, when the Viking’s defense switched to offense, an incomplete pass halted their progress and put the Bruins ahead.
According to Leming, the Vikings’ mindset has shifted since the season’s opening.
“At the start of the season, we were very wary about not being aggressive and keeping our hands to ourselves,” Leming said. “But once we started getting in the game, we noticed that matching their energy is okay.”
Exantus said he doesn’t prioritize the win and hopes to build up a passion for flag football.
“I just wanted to have girls come out here and have fun,” Exantus said. “This is the year for just learning how to play. Next year we could set milestones, but this year is just to get interest and buzz.”
The Vikings are set to play at 4 p.m. Monday against the Los Altos Eagles (2-3-1) at Los Altos High School.
