This will be an exciting week for three new high school girls flag football teams in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Valencia, West Ranch and Hart will be playing their first games, joining the wave of newcomers as girls flag football enters its second year as an official sport in the CIF Southern Section and L.A. City Section.
The SCV trio is being joined by Vasquez to form a four-team alignment in the Foothill League.
THIS WEEK IN THE SCV
Valencia
Tuesday: Valencia at Highland, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Rio Mesa at Valencia, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: La Cañada at Valencia, 9 a.m.
The Vikings launch into their inaugural flag football season with three games this week. If the flag football program can get close to the success of Valencia’s tackle football program (2021 CIF championship, 2023 league champions), it should be in good shape.
“We’re looking to make plays, play fast, and score touchdowns every time we touch the ball,” said Vikings head coach Jeff Albert. “West Ranch, Hart and Vasquez will be unbelievably good teams. They will be tough, close games, and don’t expect them to be any less than spectacular teams to face.”
The Valencia girls flag football team is in its first season as a program. The team will be playing its first games of the 2024 season this week. (Courtesy of Valencia athletics)
West Ranch
Wednesday: Knight at West Ranch, 6:30 p.m.
The Wildcats will play their debut game at home Wednesday, they hope it’s the start of something great.
“This is such a tremendous opportunity for us in our inaugural year of girls flag football,” said Wildcats head coach Mark Hornberger. “Taking over this program at West Ranch has been awesome. I want to thank Hart, Valencia and Vasquez for getting this league together. It’s going to be great for girls flag football and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Hart
Wednesday: Highland at Hart, 5:30 p.m.
The Hawks are looking forward to some some tough tests this season, especially in the Foothill League.
“This area has a track record for being highly competitive,” said Hawks head coach Josh Masmela. “Being here with Hart, we have a winning tradition. We want to bring a new team into the spotlight of a winning tradition here on campus. It’s going to be a fun and competitive season.”
OTHER TOP MATCHUPS
San Fernando
Monday: Palmdale at San Fernando, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday: San Fernando vs Valor Academy, 2:30 p.m.
If not for Birmingham’s stellar undefeated season in 2023, the Tigers would be in consideration for the best team in the Valley Mission League. The Tigers finished tied for second with Sylmar (5-2 league record) a year ago and are using that as motivation.
Verdugo Hills
Wednesday: Sherman Oaks CES at Verdugo Hills, 2:30 p.m.
After a disappointing regular season in 2023, Verdugo Hills ended its season with a four-game win streak that culminated with winning the L.A. City Division 1 championship. The Dons look to build off their late-season heroics in the inaugural season.
Newbury Park
Thursday: Ventura at Newbury Park, 7 p.m.
Westlake dominated the Marmonte League last season, but Newbury Park was right behind for second place. Expect the Panthers to make a strong start this season as they try to capture the league title.
Simi Valley
Thursday: Moorpark at Simi Valley, 7:15 p.m.
Simi Valley and Moorpark start their season off with a bang with this matchup. Both teams feel they have something to prove.
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