Pictured are seniors Juniper Helling, Tania Marquez, Celina Heard, Marley Gediman, Morgan Imrie and Dana Munoz-Huerta. Photos by Amanda White
In its third season at Mariposa County High School, the varsity flag football team has officially gone undefeated this year and the Grizzlies are Southern League champs for the second time.
The Grizzlies were scheduled to play the Reds from Gustine on Oct. 23 to wrap up the regular season while also celebrating the team’s seniors on Senior Night.
Gustine could not field enough players for the game and had to forfeit, cementing an undefeated season (10-0) for MCHS.
“They’ve come so far in understanding,” said coach Bob Jaekle.
“To win two championships back-to-back is pretty cool.”
The Grizzlies decided to pivot and host a team scrimmage while also celebrating their seniors as they closed out the regular season.
Before the start of the scrimmage, the team honored seniors Juniper Helling, Celina Heard, Tania Marquez, Morgan Imrie, Marley Gediman and Dana Munoz-Huerta.
The evening was filled with smiles, laughing and of course, some friendly competition.
Marley Gediman rolled the football like a bowling ball to knock down all the pins (Celina Heard, Dana Munoz-Huerta, Juniper Helling, Tania Marquez and Alicia Garcia) as the Grizzlies celebrate scoring a touchdown while scrimmaging.
The Grizzlies enjoyed some touchdown celebrations (something they’re not allowed to do in league games), and even a performance of the Macarena from players at halftime.
All six seniors have been part of the team since day one of flag football coming to MCHS.
“It’s been amazing watching, especially the seniors how far they’ve come,” Jaekle said.
“We talked a lot before the game about the very first day of practice when I asked them who had seen a football game before. Only one raised their hand and now they understand the game and are playing. It’s a lot of fun to see how far they’ve come.”
Since the very first practice three years ago, the team has only continued to evolve.
“They came out and totally dominated the league this year,” the coach continued.
“I don’t know that any of them had goals like that but that was my goal for them and I’m so proud.”
The flag football program was considered a club sport during its first season at MCHS and became sanctioned last season.
With the addition of a JV team last year, the varsity squad had a competitive season and only lost one league game.
“We had the goal to be undefeated this year because they lost one league game last year and they wanted to beat that by not losing any,” said assistant coach Tammi Richards.
“We’re looking forward to playoffs. They want to get past the first round because they only got to the first round last year.”
The team has met their goal of going undefeated in the regular season and is ready to face the challenge ahead of competing against higher level teams during playoffs.
“Tonight might have been the best thing for us because we’re going to compete with each other a little bit,” Jaekle said.
“We’ll see what happens during playoffs. The teams we’re going to be playing are going to be pretty tough.”
Regardless of the results, the team is excited about the program and how it’s only going to continue to grow.
“They’re getting competitive and they’re excited to be hear every single day,” said Jaekle.
“It’s been such a treat to be around them.”
The Grizzlies hosted Destiny Christian Academy from Sacramento at MCHS on Oct. 29 for the first round of playoffs.
Results were not available at press time.
To stay up to date with play off information and the team in general, visit the MCHS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MariposaCountyHighSchool
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