Fullerton advances to CIF Division 4 finals with double overtime victory over JW North

Fullerton players and coaches after Saturday night’s victory. (PHOTOS: Tom Connolly, For OC Sports Zone).

Fullerton High School quarterback Ava Flores tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Mahlia Jordan in the second overtime period to give the Indians a 32-26 victory over JW North in a CIF Division 4 semifinal flag football playoff game Saturday night at Fullerton.

The Huskies (11-9) had one last possession in the overtime and needed to score but Marley Keller intercepted a pass near the goal line to propel Fullerton into the finals next Saturday at Fred Kelly Stadium against Santa Monica, which defeated Schurr in the other semifinal game on Saturday.  

It’s the first season that girls flag football has had CIF sanctioned playoffs.

“I felt like I was meant to make a catch and score; I was praying on the sideline that I would get a chance,” said Jordan, a sophomore, who scored the Indians first touchdown on a 12-yard TD pass from Flores to tie the score at 6-6. Jordan caught three passes in the game and had an interception and was outstanding on defense.

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Keller said she watched the opponents’ quarterback very closely on the final play of the game.

“I was reading the quarterback’s eyes, and I just went for the ball,” said Keller, who was mobbed by her teammates following her game-ending interception. Keller had four catches for 85 yards, including a spectacular 52-yard TD pass from Flores that jump started the Indians offense and cut the lead to 20-18 at the 12:13 mark of the second half.

Flores had a huge game, completing 17 passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns passes.

“I felt a little nervous, but we had so had much energy,” Flores said. “It’s amazing, we’re going to the finals.”

Fullerton began its program late last spring and is now in the finals for the inaugural tournament.

“We did it; we started out slow this season, but the girls bought into the program and learned how to play football, and they came together as a team,” said Fullerton Coach Frank Ramirez. “It’s the best feeling in the world to watch how they have improved. It’s an awesome feeling.”

The Indians (18-6) trailed most of the game until there was less than three minutes to play. Facing a second and long, Flores completed a short pass to Brianna Gaytan who made a few crafty spin moves and turned on the speed as she raced 63 yards for a touchdown. Jordan caught the 2-point conversion pass, giving Fullerton its first lead at 26-20.

“Even when we were behind, we continued to trust each other and we pushed forward,” said Gaytan, who had three catches for 77 yards and scored the Indians second touchdown on a 14-yard TD run to trim the lead to 13-12 just before halftime.  

However, JW North rallied and scored a tying touchdown with 13 remaining, but missed the extra point, forcing overtime.

Notes:

—-Fullerton has won 10 consecutive games after starting the season 2-4 and has not lost since September 30.  

—JW North defeated Summit, Moreno Valley and Notre Vista in the previous round of the playoffs.

—-The Indians defeated West Ranch, Gahr and Loma Linda Academy in the first three rounds of the playoffs.

—-Naomi Shannon completed 18 passes for 178 yards and 4 TDs and Angelina Martinez caught 8 passes for 153 yards to lead the Huskies.