SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — By KSBW Reporter, Jake Flores | View full story coverage here
Santa Cruz hosted its inaugural girls flag football all-star game, highlighting the best local high school athletes in the sport.
“I’m like, what can I do to kinda honor these girls in this sport and this is how we came up with this new flag football all-star game with Joel and the GO Foundation so it’s just amazing to see it come to fruition,” said founder of the Reggie Stephens Foundation, Reggie Stephens.
“I think it’s huge, especially with flag football being part of the Olympics in a few years and also some more of the college pick it up I think this is the beginning and it’s only going to keep growing,” said North All-Star Team Head Coach, Frank Galvan.
The event, organized by the Gino Panelli Foundation and Reggie Stephen’s Foundation, featured skills competitions including the longest throw, a forty-yard dash, and a precision passing competition.
“I’ve always gone to the backyard thrown a ball with my dad and so once I realized it was a sport at the high school I was all in. I was so happy, I love playing this sport and getting a team together. I love it,” said Jasayla Mariscal, a senior at Hollister High School.
“It’s just another varsity sport for me to play and to stay active in all three seasons. And it’s fun,” said Izzy Graff a senior at Aptos High School.
The game provided a platform for young women to demonstrate the boundaries they are breaking through, with future generations watching.
“Being able to be a senior and really go out and show out for my sisters to show that more possibilities are coming for us and I love it. I love the game and I love playing with everybody,” said Mariscal.
The North team won the inaugural game 13-7, with Trinity Wilson from the North team and Jakayla Mariscal from the South team being named co-MVPs.
This groundbreaking event is expected to continue for years to come.