Jessie Giacomazzi is senior lacrosse star at Agoura, but she found her calling in girls flag football.
In the program’s second season, the Chargers are sitting at 11-3 overall and 5-0 in Marmonte League). With two games left to go in the regular season, the Chargers clinched the league title with a 21-18 win against Westlake on Thursday.
“It was such an emotional moment for us to win the league title,” said Giacomazzi. “It was something that we’ve been working out butts off for. Westlake is one of our biggest rivals and it was getting a bit chippy so it felt that much better to get the win.”
It has been a team effort for the program to go from a 6-6 record a year ago to winning the league title, but Giacomazzi’s efforts can’t be understated. She leads the nation in receiving yards (2,123) and total touchdowns (33), according to MaxPreps.com.
Just as ferocious on defense, Giacomazzi is also sixth in the nation in total tackles (100) and leads her team in interceptions (10).
Agoura’s Jessie Giacomazzi congratulates Claire Heisinger after an Agoura touchdown against Westlake High School Sept. 26, 2024. (Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Defensive positioning comes naturally for Giacomazzi thanks to her background as a midfield player for lacrosse.
“Lacrosse has definitely made me better as a flag football player,” said Giacomazzi. “It keeps me aware offensively and defensively, but I can also say flag football makes me a better lacrosse player as well. I feel like I’ve gotten quicker and my hand-eye coordination has only gotten better.”
Giacomazzi has already committed to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa, but if the opportunity ever comes to play flag football in college, it’s something Giacomazzi might consider exploring.
Thanks to Chargers head coach Julian Patton, Gicomazzi has been easily able to translate her lacrosse skills out on the football field.
“It’s been a blessing,” said Patton. “She’s really doing me a favor after already committing to play college lacrosse. Just to have somebody like her is a gift. To be able to watch somebody like her is great for the sport. She’s the nicest and most coachable human being I have ever coached and there really isn’t much more you can ask of a player.”
Giacomazzi is focused on the strongest finish possible to the season. Agoura will be going to the playoffs and could make a run at winning one of the first CIF-SS championship games for flag football.
“I know we have what it takes to compete against anybody,” said Giacomazzi. “I really hope we can make it far in the playoffs. We can give our best to the teams in the OC and (LA) area. We just have to lock in, stay aggressive on and off the ball, and hopefully it ends with a CIF title.”
Related Articles
CIF Southern Section has ‘backup’ plans to deal with Calpreps’ shutdown
Daily News football wrap-up: Friday’s stories, scores and photos
Golden Valley football seals win over Castaic with late pick-six
Calabasas football hands Birmingham its fourth straight loss
Hart football rolls over West Ranch
