Vista PEAK flag football rallies to defeat Columbine at Trailblazer Stadium

LAKEWOOD — Vista PEAK Prep flag football got into the win column Tuesday night at Trailblazer Stadium.

The Bison rallied from a 12-0 third-quarter deficit on the road against Columbine to snag a 13-12 victory.

Vista PEAK junior quarterback Rilee Bergquist scored on a short touchdown run with 35.4 seconds left in the third quarter to cut Columbine’s lead to 12-7. Still, the Rebels had a chance to regain a two-score lead. However, a bad snap on a fourth-down play from the Bison’s 2-yard line turned the ball over on downs with 7:57 left in the fourth quarter.

Bergquist took advantage connecting with junior Gabrielle Trammell, who was able to get behind the Rebel defense with 5:55 left in the game to give Vista PEAK a 13-12 lead.

Columbine had one final chance, but turned the ball over on down from mid-field in the final minute.

After a scoreless first half, the Rebels the connection of junior quarterback Kennedi Monteath and junior Reece McFaul helped produce a pair of third quarter touchdowns to give Columbine a 12-0 lead.

A short pass out to the flat to McFaul ended in a 57-yard touchdown with 10:25 left in the third quarter. Another loss pass from Monteath to McFaul set the Rebels on the Bisons’ doorstep again. Sophomore Caitlyn Davis scored on a short touchdown run to push the Rebels’ lead to 12-0 with 3:08 left in the third quarter before the Bison mounted its comeback.

Vista PEAK evened its record to 1-1 on the season. The Bison opened the season with a 19-6 loss Saturday against defending Class 4A state champion The Classical Academy.

Columbine dropped to 0-1 on the year, but will have the chance to bounce back with a road game at Mullen on Thursday night.