JSerra Flag Football earned its 56th consecutive win Saturday night en route to claiming the first-ever CIF-SS Open Division Championship.
When posing for photos after earning a 56th consecutive win, JSerra flag football coach Brian Ong had his players and coaches stand back to back. It was to signify another CIF title for the Lions. Ong’s team completed its second straight undefeated run with a 40-14 victory over Newport Harbor on Saturday.
The JSerra flag football team has not had many hiccups throughout the last two seasons. There have barely been any road blocks. For a time in a long time Saturday night, the top-seeded team in the CIF Southern Section Open Division faced some adversity.
Sailors quarterback Scarlett Guyser hit freshman Emma Yokoi from 12 yards out on a diving touchdown play to make it a 6-point game in the third quarter. It was a bit surprising for a team to be close with the Lions, who averaged a 27-point margin of victory over the first three playoff games.
JSerra answered to start fourth quarter with a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kate Meier to Abby Vanderweerd. The score and extra point provided the Lions with a 27-14 cushion, and they would never look back.
Ong’s team used balance from both the offense and defense throughout the rest of the game to eventually secure another CIF title. The championship win over Newport Harbor marked the end of a 28-0 season for JSerra. The Lions averaged 38.5 points per game during four contests in the CIF-SS Open Division playoffs.
Their defense allowed just 11.8 points across those four games.
“From the worst team in the Trinity League to the number one team in the nation, it’s pretty special,” Ong said.
JSerra Offensive Stars Kate Meier, Tessa Russell End Season On High Note
Ong pointed out the play of his senior leaders Stella Day and Avery Olson on Saturday. Both players came up with interceptions to lead the defense. However, it is hard to overlook how much his offense has guided the team this season.
The Lions are led by a stellar sophomore tandem of Meier and receiver Tessa Russell. The duo linked up for 3 touchdowns in the championship game including a deep 61-yard score in the first quarter. Meier’s ability to make plays with her feet in addition to her arm has been a separator for the Lions throughout the season.
She finished the game with 262 yards passing plus 4 touchdowns. Meier contributed 2 touchdowns and 59 yards rushing on 10 carries for the Lions.
“I think the growth of Kate and her maturity from last year to this year has been astronomical,” Ong said. “She’s put a lot of work in to become a leader on the team. … She has all the talent in the world, but it’s about putting the effort in.”
Meier and Russell connected for 10 touchdowns in the open division playoffs.
“Obviously, Kate’s an amazing quarterback,” Russell said. “There’s no one like her.”
Previously, Ong called Russell the best player in the country after JSerra earned a win in the MaxPreps Flag Football Showdown. The two-way star continued to show her abilities Saturday in helping the Lions win the CIF championship. She finished with a team-high 153 yards receiving and 3 TDs.
“She’s phenomenal,” Newport Harbor coach Jason Guyser said. “She’s the best player in the state.”
JSerra Defense Shines To Help Lions Secure Flag Football Title
Throughout the season, Ong has been quick to turn the attention away from his potent offense when asked about his team’s success. The JSerra defense, coached by former NFL safety Brian Russell, has been impressive throughout the season as well. It has been a crucial element in the two-season run for the Lions.
Russell’s defense accounted for 51 interceptions throughout the season, and proved to be critical in the undefeated run.
“Our defense is the rock of our team, I say it all the time,” Ong said. “I love to score points, I coach the offense, but defense wins championships. You have to have a fundamentally sound defense to put yourself in a position to go win a championship and then win it.
“Brian Russell is the best of the best. … We watch film over and over and now the tendencies of every team. So, the girls are in a position to go make a play.”
