Jurupa Valley's Patriot High School has emerged as an unlikely powerhouse in girls' flag football, achieving significant success despite operating with fewer resources compared to wealthier suburban schools. The team recently secured its first CIF Southern Section playoff victory, a testament to its dedication and skill.
The Patriot High girls' flag football program, established in 2024, has quickly become a dominant force, winning the River Valley Division III league championship for three consecutive years. This success stands in stark contrast to the financial disparities often faced by sports programs in lower-income areas. While opponents like the Bishop Montgomery girls' flag football team from Torrance arrive in luxury coach buses, the Patriot team has traveled to away games on non-air-conditioned school buses, even on days exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flag football, a sport originating from a recreational military activity during World War II to minimize injury risk, has seen organized female leagues develop over decades. The game is played in four 12-minute quarters on an 80-yard by 40-yard field, with players wearing flags around their waists that must be pulled by defenders to end a play.
Senior wide receiver Alana Carrillo, who has been part of the program since its inception in 2024, highlighted the team's strong emphasis on character. "The team has meant so much to me because of how highly we value character," Carrillo stated. "Character is a big thing when I play sports because it looks better than any play you could make. My team is always there for each other never holding bad plays over anyone’s heads and we all think of everyone very highly." Carrillo, who holds a 4.2 GPA, was named league MVP last year.
Head coach Giselle Kendall, who is retiring after 20 years as physical education department chair, shared a poignant connection to the team's recent playoff win. The victory on October 20th coincided with the anniversary of her mother's death. Kendall recounted how senior Alana Carrillo whispered to her after the game, "We did it for you and your mom," a moment that underscored the profound bond between the team and its coach. Kendall, an immigrant from Peru, found solace and connection in sports during her childhood when she struggled with the English language.
The Patriot High Warriors concluded their season with a 14-6-0 record, falling in the second round of the Division 3 playoffs to Compton High. Despite the season's end, the team's achievements serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that success in athletics can be cultivated through dedication, teamwork, and strong character, regardless of external resource limitations.
