Chloe Adams is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication student assigned to cover Arizona College Prep for AZPreps365.com.

CHANDLER —  It was a solid back-and-forth game, and with six minutes to go in the first quarter, the score was 7-7. 

But after Arizona College Prep scored a touchdown at the end of the quarter, Maricopa High School lost its chance to rebut as things started going downhill for them after multiple defensive stops by ACP.

ACP’s varsity girls flag football team beat Maricopa 42-7 on Thursday, Oct. 16, in Chandler. 

“I think this game we really stepped it up, took advantage to try out new plays, try new things and really start thinking about the bigger picture,” ACP senior linebacker Victoria Chen said.

ACP’s defense came alive in the second quarter, with junior Mia Doyle recording two interceptions, solidifying ACP’s dominance for the rest of the game. 

ACP led 28-7 at halftime. 

The third quarter ended with ACP up 35-7, with notably great plays from Maricopa sophomore wide receiver Zena Palmer.

“We have a lot of players who are new to the sport, and I just feel like everyone's been growing and developing in their own ways, on and off the field,” Palmer said.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Maricopa’s Larissa Lopez Gutierrez, the player who scored what ended up being the only touchdown for MHS of the game, went down injured and limped off the field with help from her coach.

“It's been rough, but as a team we're slowly growing together and finding our connection and slowly doing better,” Gutierrez said.

The game ended with a touchdown from ACP’s sophomore wide receiver Nora Whittington. 

“We've made some decisions that we believe are going to be the best for our program, not just the season, not just the team right now, but for the program. 
So we're progressing,” Maricopa coach Tyler Miller said. 

Maricopa is 0-6 overall and ranked eighth (last) in the 5A San Tan Region. Its next game will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at North.

ACP is 5-2 overall and ranked third in the region. Its next game will be at home against McClintock at 6 p.m Oct. 21.

Before kickoff, the announcer recognized the teachers each ACP player chose as their inspiration, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd. Then ACP started their game as always, with their signature chant and team prayer.

ACP senior kicker Courtney Kec, who went six-for-six on kicks in this game, said that the team is mentally and physically strong and has a great family dynamic.

“Everyone works so well together, we have each other's backs, and I think that's gonna bring us all the way to get that trophy,” Kec said.