Flag football; three years three league titles

With a flawless 7-0 league record, the Samo girls’ flag football team emerged victorious from their game against Inglewood High School, crowning them Ocean League champions for the third year in a row. The game was full of energy with fast-paced runs and throws, showing the team's chemistry on the field. As the team reflects on their win, they are starting their journey to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs. Freya Rainsford (’28) expressed her excitement on the win and the team's plan for the road ahead, 

“It feels great to see that all of our hard work and our determination to win for the third year in a row all built up… now we're just preparing ourselves for CIF, and hopefully be back-to-back CIF champions,” Rainsford said.

Much of the team's success comes from their secure bond and disciplined practices. Whether it's watching film or practicing after school, the team pushes each other to improve every day. The girls are on a winning streak like last year, on the same path to  CIF. The team's plan is to win playoffs again, building off of all the hard work that the team has put in this season. 

In the previous season, beyond physical training, the girls focused on communication, teamwork and staying mentally tough through each game. Their steady rhythm has helped them throughout the season, and will continue to help them keep steady through playoffs. Kalea Oshidari (’26) describes how the flag football team continued doing their very best, especially when stakes got high and opponents got stronger. 

“I think it was a lot of just sticking to our own principles and continuing to play our own game when we were playing against different competition,” Oshidari said.

Head Coach Lambert expressed his pride in the team’s continued success and motivation to keep pushing forward.

“It's very fulfilling to see that our girls can enter the game and then go ahead and chase big things again, like another Ocean League,” Lambert said.

Playoffs occurred on Oct. 21st and the girls’ team lost 0-21, ending their season and not being able to attain the CIF title. x

“I'm really proud of my team and everything we've accomplished this season. … I'm proud that everyone's able to step up and do their part to continue our legacy of having undefeated Ocean League champions,” Chloe Sanders (26’) said.

Chloe Sanders / Contributer

Chloe Sanders (‘26) carefully manuevers around two opponents at the samo homefield, securing the win.