Coming into last week’s match-up against the River Islands Riptide, the Mariposa County High School varsity flag football team knew it had its work cut out for it. The Riptide are undefeated this season and would be playing at home.
In fact, every game on the Riptide schedule had been a snoozer, as River Islands pummeled opponents repeatedly in the early part of the season.
But Mariposa is no pushover.
In a game that MCHS coach Tammi Richards had circled on her calendar, the Grizzlies fought hard but ultimately suffered a 12-6 road loss on Tuesday, September 22.
“We knew this was going to be a very tough game. They have basically been just as strong and dominant as us and came into the game 9-0 to our 4-2. The game was close the entire time,” said Richards.
River Islands took the early lead, and even though Mariposa’s offense made some untimely and unfortunate mistakes, including a few turnovers, the defense kept the Grizzlies in it.
“We were able to tie the game in the third quarter, which made for a very nerve-racking and highly competitive fourth quarter. Both sidelines were locked in and loudly supporting their teammates. Our fans, who almost equaled the number of their home fans, were leading cheers throughout the entire game,” said Richards.
Richards said “words just don’t do justice” to how much it means to have Mariposa fans at their games — home and away — even when it’s two hours or more away.
Richards said her team was putting together a “really good drive” with around two minutes left in the game, made possible by an “awesome” 35-yard punt return by Whitney Marcis that put the team in decent field position.
“She was one defender from taking it all the way back for the touchdown,” Richards added.
Things were falling into place, and it seemed as though Mariposa was positioned to steal the victory. However, River Islands made an interception at their seven-yard-line, sealing the win.
“We can’t wait to play them again and feel that we will be able to make the necessary adjustments to come out with a win when we face them again at home. We are champing at the bit,” Richards said.
Mariposa is now the team that has gotten closest to defeating River Islands. Every other game on the schedule for River Islands has been a blowout.
With the win, River Islands improves its record to 10-0 on the season.
Prior to the match-up at River Islands, the Grizzlies put on a 69-0 thrashing of Gustine at home on Monday, Sept. 21.
Maryn Fluharty had two pick-six touchdowns to aid Mariposa, although one was called back due to a questionable flag issued by the referees.
“We knew this game was not going to be very competitive which was a bit of a bummer as we had River Islands who is a very strong team the next day,” said Richards.
The girls were locked in and “really executed at every level” and on every play, Richards said.
“We asked our girls to play to our standard of play and they did that and then some. It was a great team win where almost all of our players were able to make a great play,” said Richards. “The girls were locked in from pregame meal until the completion of the game.”
Mariposa is now 4-3 overall and was set to play at Millennium on Monday, Sept. 28. The Grizzlies will then turn around and host Millennium just two days later on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. and host River Islands in a massive rematch on Thursday, October 1 at 6 p.m.
Mariposa will also host Vanguard College Prep on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
JV team participates in Orestimba Tournament
Last week, the MCHS junior varsity flag football team was busy. The team won two games and lost one game. MCHS beat Hilmar 24-6, lost to West Park 32-7 and beat Lodi 22-0.
The team competed in the Orestimba Tournament. Alicia Garcia was named All-Tourney.
Mariposa only had 10 players so there was a lot of two-way playing and exposure for those on the team that may not get as much playing time during the varsity games.
Richards said Gia Camorlinga “was a beast” on the defensive side of the ball throughout the tournament, including two interceptions in the Hilmar game, with one of them being a pick-six.
The JV squad ended up going 7-1 overall (four wins at the Golden Valley Tournament, one win against Golden Valley and the two wins and one loss at the Orestimba Tournament).
“These games really helped as over half of our varsity team is made up of lower class players,” said Richards.
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