Falcons’ first half just enough, tip Pats

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: October 14, 2024

File photo / Courtesy, Scripps Ranch News

2024 EAST COUNTY GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

SCRIPPS RANCH – A key interception by Patrick Henry defensive back Taylor Perry on the closing play of the first half turned Monday’s (Oct. 14) momentum,but the Patriots cameback efforts fell just short in a 15-13 victory by host Scripps Ranch.

The decision left both sides tied for second placed in the Western Leagu at 5-2, two full games with frojt-running Mira Mesa (7-0)..

Trailing at the intermission, Patrick Henry controlled the second half, moving to with twooints on a scramble touchdownby quarterback Regan Jones around the right en with 30 seconds remaining. Receiver Keeanna Thieng threw a key, downfield block.

Regan Jones touchdown run

However, since there are no traditional kickoffs in flag football, Scrips Ranch receivedf the ball at their own 20-yard line, meaning no onsides kick was available to the Patriots.

The Falcons received strong defensive efforts from Mia Ing, Malia Kollmeyer and Marissa Antonio to prevent the Patriots from gaining one final late possession to pull out a late win.

The Patrick Henry defense posted a second-haf shutout, with Camille Underwood and Ayla-Grace Collins also posting interceptions.

Scripps Ranch led from the very first possession, driving 60 yards to score.

Natalie Savary hauled in a pass on the left side of the end zone for the first touchdown, followed by a 2-point conversion catch by Malia Kollmeyer for an 8-0 lead.

Kollmeyer, the contest’s leading receiver, then collected a TD pass from quartervack Kennedy McCabe. A grab by Noa Phillips for the PAT pushed the advantage to 15.

Fortunately for the Patriots, Perry’s theft, converted by reaching high above her head, prevented the margin from growing to more than 20 points.

Jones, one of three sisters on the Patriots, opened the second half with a TD pass. However, her second TD on a run close the margin but came a bit too late.

To close the Western League slate, both Patrick Henry and Scripps Ranch need to defeat Mira Mesa to forge a three-way tie for the league crown.

Mira Mesa claimed a 16-6 road trumph at hapless Point Loma (0-7).