Dylan Hugues is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Camelback High School for AZPreps365.com.

PHOENIX — The Camelback girls flag football team jumped in excitement despite a loss to Skyline on Sept. 25.

Skyline defeated Camelback 35-8 in a nonconference matchup, but even though it encountered another blowout lost on the year, the Spartans were all smiles after the game. 

In the final seconds of the game, senior Alyssa Torres threw a 25-yard touchdown to senior Liliana Ramirez, which erupted the Spartan sideline and fellow students in the stands. Several Spartan players ran out onto the field to surround Ramirez to celebrate their first points of the season.

The Spartans followed it up by converting a two-point conversion pass to Ramirez. After the conversion the Camelback players charged and shouted excitedly towards Ramirez and celebrated so hard as a team, Ramirez fell to the ground. 

“It was a really good moment for us because we haven’t scored anything,” Ramirez said. “We’re all really close. No matter if we lose, we’re all really proud of each other. If we mess up, we’re always there for each other.”

Camelback has dealt with two large losses to North High School, 73-0 and Casteel High School, 63-0 already this season. This first touchdown meant a lot to the team.

“I'm really proud of my team,” freshman Omaima “OJ” Ferej said. “We've been working really hard and for us to get to this point I'm very proud.”

Skyline as well came into this game 0-2. This game was a big moment for the Coyotes as well.

Skyline first-year head coach Uriel Gonzalez was proud of his team’s dominant performance.

“The expectations have to be high,” Gonzalez said. “For the kids, and especially where we're at. We got to play it to our standard and our brand of football.” 

Skyline was led by Faryn Robertson, who scored three receiving touchdowns, including a nearly intercepted tipped ball, which Robertson grabbed and took for a  81-yard touchdown.

Skyline was dominant the entire game starting on the second Camelback offensive drive, which ended in an interception. Skyline scored on the following drive. Skyline scored on their first two drives in the second quarter.

The first half ended 21-0. 

Camelback was never able to complete plays. Whether it be a dropped ball or missing pulling a flag, Camelback was in good positions, but couldn’t find a way to finish the play. 

“They need confidence in their abilities,” Camelback head coach Aaron Jones said.

Jones said he is proud of his team and the team’s steady growth. Holding a team under 40 points and scoring a TD were two objectives Jones and his team sought out to complete. 

“Those little steps of improvement are just building blocks to help them with their confidence,” Jones said. “I preach to my girls that they’re extremely talented, they’re athletic and they can compete with everybody. But, the only way they will be able to compete is if they come together as a team and a family and they have confidence in themselves.” 

Jones said he relays values of his team being a family to his players.

“And I just think that what ended up happening towards the end displayed that they should trust in their ability,” Jones said. “Trust in one another and be confident about what they do regardless of what the score looks like, be confident in what you do.”