After reaching its first Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship game,
West Park (Roseville, Calif.) enters the inaugural MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown on Sept. 11-12 with an experienced core determined to finish the job in 2026.
Liz Danielson, the only female head coach in the Flag Football Showdown field, guided the Panthers to a 21-5 record, Metro League championship and a runner-up finish in the section playoffs. The title game appearance marked another step forward for a rapidly-ascending program that improved from a first-round playoff loss in 2023 and a quarterfinal exit in 2024.
"Last year was a huge exposure year for us,"
Danielson said. "Just being able to fight for what we want. It just made
us that much more hungry for this year."
Receiver Annalyse Braden looks to gain yardage during last year's CIF section championship game and will return as one of West Park's top seniors heading into the MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown Sept. 11-12. (PHOTO: Luke Pearson)
Senior quarterback
Emily Cory returns after another outstanding campaign, completing 67.2 percent of her passes for 3,176 yards and 57 touchdowns while adding 740 rushing yards and seven scores. Her top target from a year ago, senior
Annalyse Braden, returns after finishing with 1,115 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. Senior
Kayleigh Oseto and junior
Kelly Lane provide additional versatility, combining for 18 total touchdowns and giving the Panthers multiple offensive playmakers.
"It's hard not to look at our whole roster and just be like, 'Yea, pick one,'" Danielson said. "I mean, what a good problem to have."
Defensively, junior
Althea Mamacang anchors the pass rush after recording 40 sacks. Senior
Keira Taylor returns after totaling 13 interceptions. West Park's defense helped the Panthers reach the section final despite having to face powerhouse McClatchy three times, including a victory during the regular season.
With a veteran roster and back-to-back 20-win seasons, West Park arrives in Chula Vista looking to establish itself among California's elite.
"Being in Northern California, you can feel a little isolated," Danielson said. "We're really excited and I know McClatchy will be down there too, so we're taking our strongest piece of league and heading down there to show them what Northern California has."
