The @jserra.girlsflagfootball team emphatically flexed its’ collective muscle as the nation’s current standard of excellence on Saturday, as the Lions won the inaugural championship at the MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Center in Chula Vista.
JSerra, which entered the competition as MaxPreps’ top-ranked team in the country, boosted its’ program winning streak to 43 consecutive games (the longest current winning streak in the country).
The Lions began their title march on Saturday with a 19-0 victory over West Park High School of Roseville.
Sophomore quarterback Kate Meier tossed touchdown passes to senior G.G. Szczuka (33 yards), sophomore Tessa Russell (19 yards), and sophomore Sterling Flores (15 yards).
Meier completed 23-of-32 passes for 296 yards.
Russell and Flores each had an interception, while junior Anna Paquette recorded a team-high two sacks.
JSerra squared off next with the Merced Bears in the semifinals round, with the Lions rolling to a 27-0 triumph.
Meier completed 17-of-22 passes for 232 yards, while connecting with Szczuka (17 yards), Russell (48 yards), and senior Avery Olson (19 yards) for touchdown passes.
Meier also added an eight-yard scoring run.
Paquette once again sparked the defensive effort with two sacks, while Russell added her second interception on the day.
JSerra renewed acquaintances with the Newport Harbor Sailors in the championship game, the second time this season the two teams have played for a major tournament championship.
Russell gave the Lions a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, when she took a reception from Meier, maneuvered past the defense and raced into the end zone for a 41-yard touchdown.
Russell struck again in the third quarter, duplicating her effort through the Sailors defense and racing into the end zone for a 43-yard touchdown to boost the Lions lead to 14-6.
Sophomore Abby Vanderweerd put the final touches on JSerra’s 21-6 victory with a seven-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
Russell, who topped 100 yards receiving in all three games on Saturday, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Meier was selected as Offensive MVP.
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