Red Mountain is one of the most dominating flag football teams in the state and the program showed why in a 53-0 win at Tucson High Tuesday night. The Mountain Lions went 14-1 in the inaugural season 2023, that ended with a semifinal appearance, and then the program went 12-3 last year, with a runner-up finish to Hamilton in the Division I state championship game. That 21-17 finish was the closest game for Hamilton and the most points given up by the Huskies in their 17-0 undefeated season.  

It's unfortunate that Red Mountain and Hamilton will not see each other in the regular season this year which means the only way they will meet will be in the state playoffs. It will be a shame if they meet in the semifinal round but other 6A powerhouse programs like Marana and Mesa Mountain View will also be strong contenders once again.

Tucson went 3-11 last year and the Badgers are running this year with a new quarterback in senior Destiney Brown. Red Mountain was a difficult opponent to start out with but the Badgers are beginning to build a program and an identity. It will take time but there were glimpses of improvement with Brown, Janessa Lucero and Lexi Pro-Leon figuring heavily in those plans.

Sophee Incardone made all six extra points kicks. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365)

 

The Mountain Lions came with an impressive offense and defense beginning with senior QB Korey Roberts. Roberts finished with an unofficial 134 yards passing (5-7) with two touchdowns and 32 yards rushing with another TD. Roberts hit Cadence McCanless for 86 yards on the first play of the game to set the tone.

QB Josslyn Navarro also saw a lot of action for Red Mountain and the sophomore threw 6-13 for 110 yards and three TDs. McCanless caught three passes for 132 yards and two TDs, Ava Richardson caught two passes for 46 yards and a TD, Gracie-Lin Gonzales caught a TD pass as did Haleigh Jones. Ava Klene collected a 45-yard rushing TD and Jones added two interceptions on defense. Audrey Pacheco also had an interception.

Sophee Incardone made all six of her extra point kicks and Pacheco collected on a 25-yard field goal. The Red Mountain defense also came up with a safety with Maya Haddad pulling the flag.

Red Mountain travels to Casteel on Thursday. The Colts lost to Queen Creek 51-0 on the road Tuesday night. Tucson travels to Salpointe Wednesday night and this will be the first game ever for the Lancers.

The state playoffs will be a straight 16-team bracket based on power-rankings starting on Nov. 12. The first set of rankings will be released on Oct. 21.

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