Dana Munoz-Huerta anticipates a throw during practice last week.
Beginning its third year at Mariposa County High School, the flag football program continues to gain momentum as rosters are now set for the 2025-2026 season.
The JV roster consists of Allie Sanders, Aurora Martella, Brithaney Marquez, Kaiya Wellcome, Katherine Rieg, Keira Osteen, Lily Habeck, Sofia Chavez Huerta and Alison Wolf.
Playing for the varsity squad this season are Alicia Garcia, Bailey Costa, Celina Heard, Cora Grasso, Dakota Costa, Dana Munoz-Huerta, Juniper Helling, Khloe Reynolds, Marley Gediman, Morgan Imrie, Rio Pelote, Tania Marquez, Whitney Marcis and Zoe Johnson.
Bob Jaekle is heading up the program again this season with Joe Lewis leading the JV team. New to the coaching staff this year are Chris Heard and Tammi Richards.
“We’re trying to be sharp,” Jaekle said.
“We’re working on being precise in everything we do and improving every day.”
The team has a mix of seasoned players along with several new players.
“Some of them are working on the basics and some are working on just getting better on the things we’ve been doing for the past two years,” said Jaekle.
The team has six seniors this year who will be playing their final season with MCHS.
As seniors, Heard, Munoz-Huerta, Helling, Imrie, Gediman and Tania Marquez have been part of the flag football team since it began almost three years ago.
“We were at the very first practice,” said Imrie.
“I love seeing all the new girls and how quickly they’re picking it up.”
The difference between the first season versus now is night and day.
“We’ve really improved so much,” Heard said.
“You just learn every day you’re out here. It’s good to see everyone working so hard.”
The seniors have learned a lot during their high school years.
“I think I’ve improved as a leader because I’ve learned how other people communicate,” explained Heard.
“Now I can communicate in ways they need that work for them.”
Imrie has learned “when you’re helping, you’re not being bossy and people are willing to accept your help because it’s going to help them improve.”
As the sport continues to evolve, so do the rules.
“Half of the girls have experience and know what to expect, although the rules are completely different this year,” explained Jaekle.
“The rules have changed drastically.”
A few of the changes include a modification to the one-point conversion attempt, moving it from the 5-yard line to the 3-yard line as well as turnovers now result in an immediate dead ball, unlike previous rules where interceptions could be returned for a score.
“We’re trying to stay positive and it’s mostly about having a good time,” said Jaekle.
“It’s important to learn the little things that we’ll be doing for the rest of our lives and just being the best that we can every day.”
The Grizzlies will begin their season on Sept. 2 with an away game against Patterson. JV will play at 5 p.m. followed by varsity at 6 p.m.
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