On Sept. 28, the Aragon flag football team (4-7) faced Carlmont High School Scots (9-3) in their sixth league game of the season. Carlmont defeated Aragon 14-6, extending its winning streak to seven games while the Dons dropped their third straight game.
Before the game, the Dons had faith in their ability to win if they worked successfully as a team.
“To secure the win, we just need to bring the energy, get hyped and support each other,” said senior running back and safety Tessa Matthews. “That’s the best thing you can do, help your teammates play their best.”
This is the first matchup between these two teams this season. Last year, Aragon played the Scots once, with Aragon securing the win, 20-13.
The game started slowly, with the Dons receiving the ball first and being forced to punt after failing to gain any first downs. With some short passes and screen plays, Carlmont was able to march into the red zone. After some short run plays, the Scots went for it on fourth down and scored through a quarterback run play. They also earned the extra point with a short pass to the left side of the field. The score remained 7-0 through the end of the first quarter, and neither team made a successful offensive drive.
In the second quarter, the Dons continued struggling, throwing an interception on their third drive in the half. Although the offense still had trouble, the Dons’ defense tightened up with a significant fourth-down stop. They forced Carlmont to throw incomplete passes and deal with pressure in the pocket, shutting them out in the second quarter.
“The biggest thing is getting stops on defense, possessing the ball on offense and sustaining drives,” said head coach Malcom Davis. “We’re moving the ball, but the unfortunate thing is that we’re not finishing when we get to the red zone.”
The second half started with a fast drive from Carlmont that led to a passing touchdown. The Dons’ offense continued to struggle with another interception. These substantial plays in the third quarter pushed the momentum towards Carlmont, who continued to drive down the field and extended the lead 14-0.
The Dons’ offense came alive in the fourth quarter as their defense strengthened, and senior wide receiver and corner Amelia Ortiz made a crucial catch to spark the offense.
“[Junior quarterback Samantha Pieper] threw a great ball right to me,” Ortiz said. “It was a joint effort, catching the great pass, and then I just got around the defender.”
The Dons offense kept their momentum with some quick passes and runs leading them to the red zone. Pieper finished the drive off with a run to put the offense on the scoreboard.
However, Carlmont regained possession, and the Dons were unable to get the ball back with enough time to complete the comeback. Despite the late surge from the Dons, Carlmont was able to win the matchup.
“I’m proud of the way we competed,” said junior wide receiver and safety Eva Felix. “Everyone played hard and stayed together throughout the game. We know there are things we can improve on, but we can use this loss as motivation going forward.”
With the loss, the Dons look to improve their game and especially their offense in upcoming games.
“Those last two quarters, the biggest thing was getting stops on defense, possessing the ball on offense and sustaining drives,” Davis said. “Our defense is in a pretty good spot, but we just have to find a way to continue to finish drives by putting the ball in the end zone.”
The flag football team’s next match will be an away game on Oct. 19 against Burlingame High School.
