GLENDALE, Ariz. – Top-seeded Hope International held on for a 13-7 victory over No. 2 seed La Sierra to emerge with the title in the inaugural GSAC Flag Football Championship Friday at the Arizona Cardinals Flag Football Campus.
The Royals won their 14th straight game in a hard fought affair against the Golden Eagles, which lost the previous two matchups against HIU by a combined 73-0.
HIU, which had never trailed in any of its previous 13 games against GSAC competition, fell behind in the second quarter following a touchdown pass from Ariana Rivera to Matea Verdugo. The Golden Eagles converted the extra point for the 7-0 lead.
The high-powered Royals offense sputtered until the waning moments of the first half when freshman quarterback Anahi Morales connected on an eight-yard touchdown pass to Layla Mayes with 42 seconds remaining. Morales had a 12-yard completion to Nicole Cruz to get the Royals into scoring position, and a roughing the passer penalty got HIU even deeper into La Sierra territory. HIU's extra point attempt was good and the two teams went into halftime tied 7-7.
After a defensive stop to open the third quarter, the Royals began their drive at the La Sierra 32-yard line. Morales found Madison Powell for 15 yards and followed up with a five-yard completion to Cruz to get to the Golden Eagle 12-yard line. Morales finished the possession with a 12-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Royals a 13-7 lead after the conversion attempt failed.
HIU's defense stiffened from there. The Golden Eagles threatened with drives into HIU territory, but were denied on multiple fourth down attempts. La Sierra charged down to the HIU 24-yard line late in the fourth quarter, but four straight incompletions sealed the win for the Royals.
Morales completed 21 of 29 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. She also logged 32 yards on the ground on nine attempts, adding a second score to her final line.
Powell and Cruz both caught six passes. Powell had a team-leading 80 yards receiving and Cruz added 45. Powell also was spectacular on defense, recording 12 tackles including one for a loss to go along with two pass breakups.
Rivera paced La Sierra with 250 yards passing while completing 31 of 47 attempts.
HIU controlled possession for over 31 minutes and did not commit a single turnover, while forcing one interception. The Royals are now 15-2 on the season.
