TEMECULA:  Prior to the opening game of the CIF rounds in Flag Football, senior captain Kyleigh Richardson spoke to the team.  She spoke of their collective need to maintain focus and discipline.  “She encouraged eveyont to remain engaged and to encourage each other,” recalled head coach Adam Chirstensen.

The team listened and responded.

Against Great Oak High in Temecula, MLK came out strong, scoring on the opening drive with a touchdown run by freshman Quarterback Julianna Magdaleno.

Then again, on the second offensive series, King had another long drive, ending in the end zone on a pass from Magdaleno to Mia Sudbrack.  Sudbrack would score again for the Wolves in the third quarter.  It was her 5th TD reception in the last 4 games for King.  Senior receivers Anaya Sega, Makenzie Vargas, and Kimmy Tinielu each had at least four receptions.

“Our defense  was dominant all game,” said Christensen.  They gave up only one touchdown, which came midway through the fourth quarter of the game. Linebackers Annabelle Distel and Bailey Mann provided constant pressure on Great Oak’s quarterback throughout the game, forcing several off-target throws and sacks. Four times in the game, Great Oak was inside the 20-yard line with opportunities to score, and the King defense clamped down to get the ball back for the offense.

Junior linebacker Inaya Pearson intercepted her fourth pass of the season on the goal line to prevent a touchdown, while  Distel and Junior linebacker Bailey Mann had three sacks each.

“This was a complementary win for us with the offense building a sizable lead early and the defense making stops throughout the game to secure the victory,” said Christensen.

The win moves King on to the Division 4 CIF semi-finals against West Ranch HS.