Benedictine Mesa Flag Football game took part in the GSAC Arizona Jamboree dropping game one to La Sierra 27-12 but defeated Simpson 27-12.
Game 1:
Benedictine University Mesa showed early promise, but La Sierra used a strong second-half push to pull away for a 27–7 victory on Saturday.
La Sierra struck first, scoring on a seven-yard rushing touchdown just 1:37 into the opening quarter to take a 6–0 lead after a failed conversion. The Redhawks answered in the second quarter with a key offensive drive led by quarterback Giahni Ruiz. Ruiz connected with Brooklyn Miller on a 16-yard touchdown pass to cap the possession, and a successful one-point conversion gave Benedictine Mesa its only lead of the game at 7–6 with 4:57 remaining in the half.
La Sierra regained momentum late in the second quarter, scoring on a short two-yard touchdown pass to move ahead 13–7 at halftime. Despite a strong defensive effort early from the Redhawks, La Sierra capitalized on field position and efficiency after the break.
In the third quarter, La Sierra added another touchdown following a five-play, 43-yard drive to extend its lead to 20–7. Benedictine Mesa continued to battle but was unable to generate another score. La Sierra sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a five-play, 63-yard touchdown drive, pushing the margin to its final score of 27–7.
Game 2:
Benedictine University Mesa built an early lead and maintained control throughout the matchup, earning a 27–12 victory over Simpson on Wednesday.
The Redhawks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Just seconds into the opening period, Benedictine Mesa capitalized on a turnover, intercepting a pass in the end zone and returning it three yards for a touchdown. A successful one-point conversion from Giahni Ruiz gave the Redhawks a 7–0 advantage.
Benedictine Mesa continued to apply pressure in the second quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. Sophia Wright found Kylie Schultz for a 13-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 14–0 following another successful conversion. The Redhawks closed the first half with momentum, scoring just before the break on a short four-play, 18-yard drive to take a commanding 21–0 lead into halftime.
Simpson responded in the third quarter with a lengthy nine-play drive, cutting the deficit to 21–6 after a missed conversion. Benedictine Mesa answered quickly, putting together an eight-play, 66-yard drive that resulted in another touchdown to restore a three-score cushion at 27–6.
Simpson added a late score in the fourth quarter, but the Redhawks' defense held firm down the stretch to preserve the 27–12 win.
