Fourth-seeded Woodbridge moves into quarterfinals of CIF girls flag football playoffs

Woodbridge celebrates a league victory earlier this season. (PHOTO: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Woodbridge High School’s girls flag football team, the fourth-seeded team in the CIF Division 2 playoffs, has moved into the quarterfinal round to face Pacific Coast League rival Northwood at home Tuesday at 4 p.m.

“The first two rounds of playoffs were a great experience playing against two very good teams that we have not seen before,” said Woodbridge Coach Mark Thompson. “They were disciplined, athletic and well coached: Royal High School from Simi Valley and Warren High School in Downey. 

“It was the defense that carried us led by captains Zoey Ceman, Sophia Penaflor and Mia Thompson. Our first-round game against Royal was at home and we won 33-0. Woodbridge rusher Mohinin Schafers. pressured the quarterback relentlessly and caused her to throw two interceptions to Mia and a pick-six to linebacker Dyllan Harris. Woodbridge quarterback Laney Brucker also had a great game throwing four touchdown passes: two to Mia, one to Zoey and one to Dyllan.”

Woodbridge won Saturday’s second round game over Warren 28-0 on the road. 

“Dyllan Harris had two more pick-sixes with Laney passing to Zoey and Mia for touchdowns,” Thompson said. “We are excited to host Northwood on Tuesday for the third round in the first ever CIF playoff tournament for flag football.”

Northwood (16-6) advanced to the quarterfinals with a 40-14 victory over Centennial Corona and a 32-8 win over Mira Costa.

Woodbridge captured the Pacific Coast League title going undefeated and defeated Northwood in both league games, 21-6 and 16-6.

The winner of Tuesday’s game moves on to face the winner of the game between top-seeded Long Beach Poly and Esperanza in the semifinals on Saturday.

The finals are Saturday, Nov. 9, at Fred Kelly Stadium.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com