The Samohi Lady Vikings have achieved a historic milestone, claiming the CIF Southern Section Division 4 flag football championship for their inaugural season. The team overcame a slow start to the year, finishing in a 2-6 slump before bouncing back to win seven straight regular-season games.
Led by senior Anica Mindes, who had an outstanding final game under center with four touchdowns, the Lady Vikings dominated the CIF-SS playoff field, outscoring their opponents 104-41. Mindes’ performance was complemented by a strong showing from junior Chloe Sanders and seniors Kyla Cotton and Jayla Johnson-Lake.
Coach Ramsey Lambert praised his team’s defensive effort, stating that it “sets us apart” from other teams. The Lady Vikings’ defense held opponents to just one touchdown throughout the playoffs, with a bend-don’t-break mentality that allowed them to excel on flag pulling.
The championship win marks a significant achievement for the burgeoning football program, which has seen an influx of new players this year, including 87 girls who tried out for the Samohi squad. The team’s success is inspiring not only for their peers but also for younger generations, with coach Lambert noting that the team’s inspiration will “breed a bigger desire in our younger girls.”
The Lady Vikings’ championship win sets a new standard for Samohi athletics, demonstrating the potential of girls sports and fostering inclusivity. As Mindes noted, “it just makes me so excited thinking about it” – a sentiment shared by her teammates, who are eager to inspire future generations of female athletes.
Source: https://smdp.com/2024/11/15/lady-vikings-capture-cif-flag-football-crown-in-monumental-season