On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Stevenson Patriots faced off against the Fremd Vikings. Despite first half struggles, the Patriots fought hard to make a comeback, narrowly losing the game 28-26.

Starting in the first quarter, the Patriots fiercely defended their goal, pursuing opponents with the ball and ripping off many flags. However, the Vikings kept advancing towards the goal, eventually scoring a touchdown six minutes in. 

The Vikings then attempted to pass Patriot defenses once more for another score. However, Patriot player Grace Harper ‘26 stole the ball, running past midfield line and scoring a touchdown with four minutes left in the first quarter. After this touchdown, the Patriots earned an extra point, ending the first quarter with a score of 7- 6.

“For defense, we did a man-on-man strategy instead of a zone, which we had worked on at practice,” Isabella Baker ‘26 said. ”We focused on finding just one player and sticking to that person [rather than the] quarterback, which worked a couple times when we were able to get stops and force the quarterback to scramble.”

Following the start of the second half, Harper immediately gained hold of the ball again, scoring another six points within a minute of the second period. The Patriots then landed another touchdown, increasing their score to 14-6.

Determined to take down the Patriots’ lead, the Vikings continued to push towards the Patriot end zone, eventually scoring at the six minute mark of the second period; one regular touchdown, followed by an extra point from the ten-yard line, balancing the score to 14-14. With tensions high, the Vikings once again ran towards the opponent’s goal, and the Patriots called a time out, strategizing to defend the goal. 

“We kind of lost ourselves a little in the first half, which let Fremd get some opportunities,” head coach Sarah Gutierrez said. “We reminded the offense to take care of the ball and let the defense know that they’ve created turnovers and opportunities all year.”

However, the Vikings successfully weaved through once more, scoring with forty-eight seconds left in the second quarter. With little time remaining, the Patriots tried to push into opponent territory, only for the Vikings to steal the ball and score with one second left. The Vikings then scored at the ten-yard line, ending the second half with a score of 28-14. Gutierrez reflected on the opponent’s rigor, admitting the Vikings to be a tough match.

“I handed it to Fremd, they did what they needed to do to create a gap in the first half,” Gutierrez said. “It was just an amazing battle in the hardest section of the state, to go against Fremd in the regional final.” 

As the third quarter started, the Patriots defended their field goal ferociously, and the Vikings failed to score any touchdowns. Then, at the six minute mark, Harper stole the ball again, running past the midfield line and scoring another touchdown. The Vikings proceeded towards the Patriot field goal once more, but multiple stolen flags and catches ended the third quarter with a score of 28-20.

By the fourth quarter, tensions between the two teams rose, as the Patriots tried to gain points and the Vikings blocked the opponent from scoring. As the timer ticked and neither side successfully landed field goals, multiple time-outs were called, both teams trying to change their strategy. Eventually, the Patriots got a hold of the football, and Harper scored with one second remaining.

“I’m proud of the resiliency of this team,” Gutierrez said. “They’ve come back. They’ve fought. They’ve never given up.” 

The Patriots, encouraged by the last-second touchdown, prepared to tear through opponent defenses. However, the Vikings held their ground and the Patriots were unable to score again, ending the game with a final score of 28-26 and knocking the Patriots out of the tournament. Despite the loss, Baker and other players felt proud of their teamwork.

“I thought that the coaches did everything that they could to prepare for the game,” Baker said. “I think we couldn’t have played any better.”

Following the end of the match, the team huddled up together, congratulating each other for the tough game. Many reminiscenced about the season, appreciative of the memories they had created with the team.

”I’m really proud to be on a girls’ flag football team, I remember being a little girl growing up [and being] unable to play with any girls my age,” Baker said. “I’m just really proud to be able to play with other girls and represent women.”

Although saddened by the defeat, the enthusiasm of the team runs high. Sharing an emotional moment with her team, Gutierrez praised the girls for their resilience.

“The positivity of the girls’ work ethic has been incredible, and I’m lucky,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t have to foster a positive environment—the girls already got it. It’s just built in the culture of who we are.”