Women’s flag football is a nationally growing sport and is also growing locally around Yorba Linda. Women’s flag football has been a part of Yorba Linda High School’s sports teams for 3 years.  The sport has grown through coaches, teammates, and skills. This season, flag football is undefeated in league going 4-0, receiving 3 shutouts and over 8 touchdowns. These Mustangs are not only growing the sport but also building a strong, united team.

Dominating on both offense and defense, varsity player Allison Jochum (11) continues to show why she’s one of the Mustangs’ key players. She recently gained a pick-6 and a sack at the Mustangs’ recent game against El Modena. During her freshman year, she decided to join flag football because “it was a brand-new sport, and [she’d] always wanted to play.” The varsity team is connected on the field with different tactics and trick plays to score touchdowns and get the needed yardage. 

Most girls joining flag football don’t know what to expect seeing as the sport is still growing. The strong community across all three levels of the team not only brings players together but also plays a key role in their success on the field. Junior Varsity freshman Tatum Flanders (9) loves “being able to make new friends” and how the coaches keep her “motivated to be as good as [she] possibly could be.”  Upperclassmen often mentor newer players, helping them to understand the pace of the game, and build confidence. From the first day of camp in the summer, these girls built a strong connection with each other. No matter what level they are on, the players share the same values and love for the game. 

Yorba Linda’s flag football team has come back from many challenging games and many successful wins. No matter how hard the game is, the Mustangs continue to work hard to get yardage down the field. These girls work until the clock is 0:00. The tight-knit dynamic enforces trust on the field, allowing for smoother plays, confidence, and stronger overall performances.

Support is spread throughout the team from the freshman, junior varsity, and varsity team. The girls continuously show up for each other and support one another through every game. Most girls stay for both games to watch and cheer on their fellow teammates.

From the stands, you can hear all the girls yelling for their teammates and boosting their confidence and drive. The flag football team is constantly motivated by each other, parents, and coaches. Even injured players show up for the team to encourage them and show their gratitude for the flag football program. As the season continues, one thing is clear – the Mustangs are more than just a sports team; they are a family, and together they charge down the field.