By Shania Bulala
The Flag Football Ladies Association of Guam (FFLAG) hosted the championship matches for the first ever girls NFL flag football season on Saturday at the Adelup Governors Complex. This first season featured girls ranging in age from eight to eighteen years old. The three championship matches of the day featured exciting games and impressive displays of athleticism from young female athletes.
FFLAG league coordinator Linda Salas expressed her joy in how the league turned out. Salas gives credit to all the coaches and team reps who made this league possible.
“About 50–75% of the coaches in the league are women who also play in the women’s flag football league. In the future, I want to see more ladies step up and take on the role of coaching our young girls in the sport,” said Salas. “That’s one of the goals I have for this league.”
Salas hopes to have the girls NFL flag football season become an annual event happening at least once a year. “I want to be able to give our young girls an opportunity to showcase their athleticism and do physical activity,” said Salas. The FFLAG is committed to growing the sport of flag football on Guam for both youth and adult females.
Steelers win 8-10U championship game
The Steelers defeated the Raiders 31-12 for the 8-10U title. Austia Castro had an outstanding performance, scoring all of the Steelers’ touchdowns. “We really worked together as a team with scoring and playing defense,” said Castro. “I feel very comfortable and proud being a female and playing flag football.”
Raiders take two titles
The Raiders made a championship game appearance in all three matches of the day and managed to secure the championship title in two age divisions, 11-14U and 15-18U.
Raiders head coach Vince Espinal expressed his pride in his team’s performance, stating, “I am very proud of all teams who competed today. They overcame all adversity and persevered through it all.
The Raiders defeat the Bills for the 11-14U title 26-20. Kai’ane Cruz led the Raiders with three touchdowns. Meanwhile, teammate Mylie Santos managed to contribute defensively to her team
with multiple flag takedowns.
The Raiders won the 15-18U title in a thrilling 21-20 victory over the Seahawks. Jaenahlee Reyes scored two touchdowns for the Raiders, while Rya Castro clenched a 25-yard run in the final seconds of the game to secure the win for her team.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO BY:
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QUICK HITS
Matsuno’s second place finish earned him an invitation to compete in the FCG Junior Golf Championship to be held in July 2025.
A junior at St. John’s, he is also currently leading the IIAAG high school All-Island golf competition, chasing the coveted individual high school golf title.
