Simi Valley girls flag football wants ‘payback’ this season
Simi Valley defeats Valencia 20-7 in a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley’s Hanna Chang tries to get to the endzone against Valencia Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Alexis Scott carries the ball for Simi Valley as they host Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley defender Lilla Diaz looks on as they host Valencia Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley hosts Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley’s Hanna Chang tries to get by a Valencia defender Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Valencia’s Camila Quintero tries to get by Simi Valley defender Hanna Chang Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Alexis Scott carries the ball for Simi Valley as they host Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley’s Sarah Chavez reacts after intercepting a Valencia pass Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley’s Sarah Chavez gains yards under Valencia pressure Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Alexis Scott carries the ball for Simi Valley as they host Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Players meet for the pregame coin toss as Simi Valley hosts Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley flag football coach Tanya Wismann looks on as they defeat Valencia Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley hosts Valencia for a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley quarterback Neviah Rodriguez looks to pass against Valencia Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley flag football coach Tanya Wismann looks on as they defeat Valencia Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Valencia High School flag football coach Jeff Albert looks on as his team faces Simi Valley in a non-league game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Valencia High School flag football coach Jeff Albert talks to his team as they travel to Simi Valley for a non-league game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Valencia’s Riley Josett carries the ball against Simi Valley Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
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Simi Valley defeats Valencia 20-7 in a non-league flag football game Aug. 27, 2024.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Simi Valley girls flag football’s hot start to the season is no fluke.
Six seniors graduated from last year’s team, which had a tumultuous season and finished with a 3-17 record, and this year’s squad is highly motivated. The Pioneers have already surpassed their win total from last season.
“Payback,” said Pioneers head coach Tanya Wismann. “That’s been our motto. We want to show the other teams what Simi Valley is all about. I don’t think many teams are expecting it but these girls want to show what they have and are putting everything out there.”
Simi Valley takes a 5-4 record into Thursday night’s game at Oak Park.
In a game last week, the Pioneers defeated Valencia 20-7.
“We can play, but (the Pioneers) are amazing,” said Valencia head coach Jeff Albert.
Despite a strong effort from Vikings wide receiver Scarlet Carlson, who led the team with five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, the Pioneers were relentless. The Pioneers forced three turnovers – two interceptions by safety Sarah Chavez and one by cornerback Alexis Scott.
Scott did even more damage on offense by securing a game-high 15 catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
“It took a while for us to get momentum, but we found the rhythm just in time to come back,” said Scott. “It’s been a good start for us, but we want to stay humble. Last season was not the best for us.
“We’re trying to keep it in our minds and not get too far ahead of ourselves. Don’t get too cocky and sort of act like we’re losing, so we have the mentality to work hard every day.”
UPCOMING KEY MATCHUPS
Oak Park
Thursday: Simi Valley at Oak Park, 7:15 p.m.
This Eagles (5-3) are coming off a 32-23 victory over Newbury Park and are undefeated at home this season.
Newbury Park
Thursday: Newbury Park at Westlake, 7 p.m.
The Panthers get their first matchup of the season against reigning league champion Westlake. The Warriors are 5-3 and are out to a hot start even with the huge turnover on their roster.