A-West and Columbine girls flag football strong showing at NAAC

ARVADA — Class 5A Jeffco League girls flag football opened up conference play Saturday at the North Area Athletic Complex.

The 6-team league — Arvada West, Chatfield, Columbine, Lakewood, Ralston Valley and Valor Christian — got underway with A-West and Columbine coming out on top with a 2-0 marks in league.

A-West defeated Valor 27-12 in the opening game on NAAC’s soccer field. The Wildcats — last year’s state champion during the second pilot season — then dominated rival Ralston Valley 30-14.

Senior quarterback Saylor Swanson had four touchdown passes against Ralston Valley. Senior Sara Walker had a pair of touchdown grabs. Senior Molly Schellpepper and junior Santana Pena both had a touchdown catch each. Freshman Harper Tillman also had a defensive safety for the Wildcats.

A-West (4-1, 2-0 in league) has won three straight after a losing to Mountain Vista back on Aug. 17. The Wildcats have a good road test next weekend against Cherry Creek (3-1) at noon Saturday, Sept. 14.

Rivals Chatfield (3-3, 1-1) and Columbine battled in the first game on NAAC’s football field. The Chargers — 2022 state champion in the first pilot season — took an early 6-0 lead, but the Rebels responded with a 26-point second quarter to take a commanding 26-6 lead at halftime.

Columbine (3-2, 2-0) eventually cruised to a 34-6 victory over Chatfield. Junior quarterback Jordyn Washington had five touchdown passes for the Rebels, who were shutout by ThunderRidge 6-0 earlier in the week.

Conference play continues for 5A Jeffco next Saturday, Sept. 14, when Valor, Chatfield and Lakewood head to Highlands Ranch for three games on the Eagles’ home field.