IRVINE, Calif. – Madison Powell caught four touchdown passes and returned an interception for a touchdown as Hope International routed Simpson 52-13 in GSAC flag football action on Tuesday at the OC Great Park.
The freshman hauled in seven catches for 108 yards and picked off Simpson quarterback Kylie Schultz for a 17-yard touchdown early in the third quarter.
Powell also had four flag pulls and two pass breakups in an overall phenomenal game on both sides of the ball.
Both HIU quarterbacks had stellar games as Anahi Morales completed 11 of 16 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Nia Gille was 11 of 13 for 156 yards and three TD throws. Morales also rushed for a pair of TD's.
HIU opened the scoring with a four-yard Morales scamper – the Royals converting the extra point for a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Morales found the end zone again on a 10-yard rush to go up 13-0 at the end of one quarter.
The Royals widened the lead to 19-0 as Morales connected with Powell for a 25-yard TD strike on their first drive of the second quarter.Â
Morales moved out to wide receiver as Gille found her with a short pass. Morales outmaneuvered several Red Hawks defenders and sprinted 63 yards for the touchdown and a 26-0 lead midway through the second period.
After Powell's interception of Sophia Wright gave HIU phenomenal field position, it was Gille's turn to connect with Powell. Her eight-yard throw to Powell gave the Royals a 33-0 lead after successfully converting the extra point.
Schultz got Simpson on the board before halftime with a 55-yard strike to Imani Watkins, but HIU used another big play in response as Morales found Powell for a 42-yard score and a 39-6 lead at halftime.
It was more of a defensive battle in the second half.
Powell picked off Schultz for the only score of the third quarter as HIU led 45-6.
Simpson scored its second touchdown in the fourth quarter and HIU finished off the scoring as Gille hit Powell for a 2-yard TD.
Prior to the game, HIU held a Senior Day ceremony for Alaina Afogho and Larissa Perez. Afogho had a reception for 15 yards, while Perez posted four flag pulls, including one for a loss.
The Royals continue GSAC play with a pair of games in Riverside on Wednesday, March 18, squaring off against Benedictine Mesa at 9:00 a.m. and Arizona Christian at 1:30 p.m.
