Flag Football Game Preview: Rio Mesa Spartans vs. Buena Bulldogs + Official Tickets

The Rio Mesa Spartans are taking a road trip to square off against the Buena Bulldogs at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Buena took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Rio Mesa, who comes in off a win.

Rio Mesa's defense heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They claimed a resounding 32-0 victory over Pacifica. Considering the Spartans have won seven matchups by more than 26 points this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Jadeline Gonzalez

Passer Rating

10/07/25 vs Pacifica	112.9
10/06/25 @ San Marcos	30.6
09/30/25 @ Santa Barbara	101.2
09/25/25 @ Oxnard	84
09/23/25 vs Dos Pueblos	45.2
+ 16 more games

Rio Mesa's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Jadeline Gonzalez, who threw for 113 yards and three touchdowns. What's more, Gonzalez racked up 112.9 passer rating, the most she's had since back in August.

Meanwhile, Tuesday just wasn't the day for Buena's offense. They had to suffer through a 48-0 loss at the hands of Dos Pueblos. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California flag football rankings (they are ranked 316th, while the Chargers are ranked ninth).

Buena has also traveled a rocky road recently, having lost eight of their last nine contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 10-14 record this season. As for Rio Mesa, their win ended a six-game drought at home and bumped them up to 8-13.

Rio Mesa came up short against Buena when the teams last played back in September, falling 20-13. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.