Chris Schaller is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Sierra Linda High School for AZPreps 365 

The stage was set Tuesday night at Sierra Linda High School with the Bulldogs’ flag football team looking for their first win while the La Joya Lobos looked to win their third game of the season.

The Bulldogs started the game off with the ball as they tried to establish the run through running back Andrea Bracamonte, in which she was only able to rush for seven yards on eight carries during their first offensive drive.

The teams were in a scoreless gridlock midway through the second quarter until Bulldogs cornerback Carlasia Sturges set a school record with a 102-yard pick six, which sent the home crowd into a frenzy. 

“When the other team continues to throw balls my way,” Sturges said, “I start to become aggressive, which led to me jumping the route and going all the way.” 

Sturges recorded two sacks and a key pass breakup during the second overtime, which led to the Bulldogs forcing the Lobos to lose on the next play.

“(Carlasia) stepped up defensively tonight, which led to us making plays,”  Sierra Linda coach Juan Zozaya said. “(That) gave our offense good field position, which we could’ve done better with, but nonetheless, crucial to our win today.”

The Bulldogs struggled on offense as they finished with 124 yards of total offense. Quarterback Yaya Villalobos put together 48 passing yards on 16 passing attempts.  However, during the second overtime period,  Villalobos found receiver Ashley Cano for a 7-yard touchdown, which turned  out to be the game-winner. 

“(Villalobos) stepped up today and  made the throws she needed to make,” Zozaya said, “getting the passing game going and opening up the defense, which helped us to score that meaningful touchdown at the end.” 

For the Lobos, quarterback Destiny Sanchez threw for 121 yards and an interception on 28 passing attempts  and finished with 16 rushing yards on two carries while recording a 5-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game, 6-6, in the third quarter. 

“We made a quarterback change a few weeks ago,” La Joya coach Jonathan Fontes said. “(Sanchez) stepped up and made some big-time throws. Unfortunately, we weren’t  able to capitalize in overtime. I take responsibility for that. I didn’t coach well enough for a win today.”

The Lobos outgained the Bulldogs, 203 yards to 121 yards, but the Bulldogs were able to get the two defensive stops in overtime that sealed the victory and gave them their first win of the season. 

Both coaches are eager to see how flag football will continue to grow, with it having entered its second year as a sanctioned sport in Arizona. 

“We’ve seen the growth,” Fontes said. “ I can’t think of how many teams have been added this season. A lot of buzz has been created throughout the state coveragewise, and it really gives women a fair chance to compete at the sport.”

“The Olympics in 2028 will include women’s flag football which is a massive step forward,” Zozaya said. “ Arizona is one of 11 states to have it as a varsity sport and the sport will only continue to grow.” 

Sierra Linda (1-5) will travel to Alhambra (1-3) on Thursday at 6 p.m.

La Joya Community (2-2) heads to Avondale to play West Point (7-1) at 6 p.m.  Thursday.