News Summary
The Vincent Memorial High Scots secured a 34-19 victory against the Calexico Bulldogs in a flag football showdown. The win improved Vincent Memorial’s overall record to 10-3 and solidified their league play to 3-0. Standout performances by Quarterback Azul Trujillo and receiver Jessica Manriquez contributed to the Scots’ victory, while Calexico faced a setback after having to forfeit their playoff spot due to regulatory issues. This game highlights the competitive spirit of high school flag football in California.
CALEXICO, CALIFORNIA – The Vincent Memorial High Scots claimed victory against the Calexico Bulldogs in a thrilling flag football matchup, concluding with a score of 34-19 on Wednesday, Sept. 10. This win improves Vincent Memorial’s record to 10-3 overall and extends their league play to 3-0, while Calexico’s record now stands at 8-2 with a 2-2 league performance.
The match began with Vincent Memorial striking first as quarterback Valentina Lopez connected with Jessica Manriquez for a touchdown pass, setting the score to 7-0. Calexico quickly responded with a screen pass from Giovanna Ortiz to Lizbeth Ortiz, allowing Arellana Garcia to complete a touchdown after a goal-line stand. However, a failed extra point placed the score at 7-6 in favor of Vincent Memorial.
Azul Trujillo stood out for Vincent Memorial, leading the offense with an impressive 374 passing yards and four touchdowns, alongside contributing a rushing touchdown. Jessica Manriquez was a key receiver, finishing the game with 131 receiving yards. On the opposing side, Arellana Garcia shone for Calexico, recording 85 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Giovanna Ortiz completed the game with 150 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
The victory marks Vincent Memorial’s eighth consecutive win, establishing them as a formidable team this season. In a disappointing twist for Calexico, they have been required to forfeit their CIF-San Diego Section playoffs due to a violation of CIF regulations. Originally, they finished the season with an overall record of 11-9 and secured third place in the Imperial Valley League with a 9-3 league record. They were awarded a fourth seed in the Division II playoffs prior to the forfeiture ruling.
Context on California Flag Football
This matchup not only highlights the strong performance of both teams but also showcases the dominance of California players in the national flag football scene. Notably, nine of the top ten passing leaders nationwide are from California. Emma Coronado, a senior from Kimball High in Tracy, California, leads the nation with 5,419 yards and 60 touchdowns, averaging 318.8 yards per game with an impressive completion rate of 74.2%. The only player outside of California in the top ten is Julia Rose from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, who has 3,883 yards and 64 touchdowns.
Looking Ahead
Calexico’s girls flag football team will see a disruption in their playoff plans due to the forfeiture. Their next scheduled match was against the Central Union Spartans on Wednesday, Sept. 24, which may now be under review due to their ineligibility for the playoffs. Superintendent Arturo Jimenez emphasized the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, and adherence to CIF regulations throughout Calexico High School’s athletic programs.
The outcome of the Vincent Memorial and Calexico match not only affects the standings within the Imperial Valley League but also illustrates the challenges and competitive spirit that defines high school flag football in California.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local High School Athletes Shine in Recent Matches
Additional Resources
- Kyma: Scots Face Bulldogs in Flag Football Battle for Calexico
- MaxPreps: Football Recap – Arellana Garcia’s Big Game
- Calexico Chronicle: Calexico High Flag Football Team Forfeits Playoffs
- IV Press Online: Vincent-Calexico Clash Ends in Scots Triumph
- Calexico Chronicle: Calexico’s Cruz Makes National Flag Football Team
- Wikipedia: Flag Football
- Google Search: California High School Flag Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: High School Flag Football
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
