Flag Football Recap: Desert Vista Falls Short Against Ranked Marana

Desert Vista faced Marana in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Thursday. The Thunder took a 31-12 bruising from the Tigers. That makes it the first time this season the Thunder have let down their home crowd.

Despite the loss, Desert Vista still got an impressive performance from Jackie Jimenez, who threw for 151 yards and two TDs, and also rushed for 72 yards on only ten carries.

Desert Vista didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Amaya Arredondo and Arrianna Delgado.

Marana found their leader in freshman Isabella Garcia, who threw for 198 yards and three touchdowns while completing 72.4% of her passes, and also rushed for 65 yards and one score on only seven carries. Garcia has been hot, having posted three or more passing touchdowns the last five times she's played.

Desert Vista's defeat was their first in the region, dropping their region record down to 3-1 and their overall record down to 8-3. As for Marana, the win keeps them at an undefeated 13-0.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Desert Vista will welcome Xavier College Prep at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Gators' defense has only allowed 10.4 points per game this season, so the Thunder's offense will have their work cut out for them. As for Marana, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Millennium at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (Marana 6.3, Millennium 14.1) so any points scored will be well earned.