Hope International claims inaugural GSAC flag football title with 13-7 win over La Sierra
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | TOTAL | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| HOP | 0 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 13 |
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Top-seeded Hope International captured the 2026 GSAC Flag Football Championship, holding off No. 2 seed La Sierra for a 13–7 victory Friday at the Arizona Cardinals Flag Football Campus.
Hope International finishes the inaugural GSAC season as its first conference champion, using a balanced offensive effort and timely defensive stops to secure the title.
La Sierra struck first late in the opening quarter, capping a 10-play, 48-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ariana Rivera to Matea Verdugo. The Golden Eagles added the point-after conversion to take a 7–0 lead.
Hope International answered in the second quarter behind quarterback Anahi Morales. After a steady drive, Morales found Layla Mayes for an 8-yard touchdown pass, and the Royals converted the extra point to even the score at 7–7 heading into halftime.
The decisive moment came early in the third quarter. Hope International opened the half with an 11-play, 66-yard drive, highlighted by key completions to Nicole Cruz and Madison Powell. Morales eventually finished the possession with a 12-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Royals a 13–7 lead after the conversion attempt failed.
From there, the Royals’ defense controlled the game. La Sierra threatened multiple times, including drives into Hope International territory in both the third and fourth quarters, but was unable to convert on fourth down opportunities. A final drive in the closing minutes reached the Royals’ 24-yard line before four straight incompletions sealed the outcome.
Morales led Hope International with 185 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 32 rushing yards and the game-winning score on the ground. Powell was her top target, finishing with 80 receiving yards, while Cruz added 45 yards on six receptions.
Rivera paced La Sierra with 250 passing yards and a touchdown, connecting frequently with Hayley Medina (69 yards) and Verdugo (49 yards, TD), but the Golden Eagles were unable to find the end zone after their opening-quarter score.
Hope International controlled possession for over 31 minutes and limited mistakes, finishing without a turnover while forcing one interception.
With the win, the Royals claim the GSAC’s first-ever flag football championship.
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