Lathrop had a dream start and a rude awakening Monday in its first-ever girls flag football game, but there still smiles all around at Bennie Gatto Field.
“It was fun, wasn’t it?” Lathrop coach Randy Baltazar said.
He is encouraged by the effort from his Spartans despite a heartbreaking 19-18 overtime defeat to visiting Millennium.
Spearheaded by an electric second-half effort from senior quarterback Jocelyn Hernandez, the Falcons from Tracy battled back from a 12-0 halftime deficit. She hit Adrienne Delucchi for an 8-yard touchdown that tied the score in the extra period, then found Mia Hernandez open in the back of the end zone for the game-winning extra point.
“We got on them early, they made the adjustments,” Baltazar said. “We were out of position in two situations and they capitalized. They executed, give them credit. We had our opportunities to do the same, it just didn’t happen.
“I’m happy to see that our girls were able to compete,” he added. “Hopefully we learn from this going forward as to what we can do. We have talent, and we see that our girls can do some things.”
Jocelyn Hernandez was plagued by drops from her receivers throughout the contest but completed her final nine passes, finishing 17 of 31 for 162 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. She also rushed five times for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Lathrop had solid efforts from its two QBs, freshman Ja’Leiyah Ray (6 of 13, 60 yards, two TDs, INT) and sophomore Belinda Renteria (4 of 5, 39 yards, TD).
Kiana Quintero scored the first touchdown in team history, a 19-yard catch-and-run early in the first half. The Spartans doubled the lead with 4 seconds left in the half, as Renteria connected with Tatiana Lowery from 5 yards out.
Lathrop struck first in overtime when Moira Ramones leapt in a crowd and came down with an 8-yard toss from Ray.
In the final moments of regulation, the Spartans thought they had clinched the win when Ray escaped pressure on a blitz and sprinted 36 yards to the end zone but was penalized for flag guarding.
“It’s just the way I run, and I guess I swatted down at the wrong time,” Ray said. “Things happen, and we have to move on.”
And she plans on moving on with the sport for the rest of her high school career.
“I think I’ll be doing this all four years,” Ray said. “I’m just getting used to this new sport. I have a lot to learn, but I’ll take off from there.”
There were many firsts in the game for both teams.
On the very first play of the game, Lathrop safety Natalie Arceo came up with an interception to set up her team’s first touchdown drive. Heiddy Camacho also picked off a pass in the first half, leading to the Spartans’ next score.
“I came into the game wanting to get an interception, so when I got onto the field I already had it in my mind that no matter what, I’m going to watch the quarterback and follow her eyes,” Arceo said. “I saw where the ball was going and I just ran to it.”
The good news for Lathrop is that it won’t wait long to seek redemption. Bear Creek and Merced are visiting tonight and Thursday, respectively, and the Spartans get another crack at Millennium on the road next Monday, Aug. 28.
Their first Western Athletic Conference game is Sept. 14 at home against Ceres. Baltazar and the Spartans are excited to play out the rest of the season.
“We have enough seniors to help our girls compete,” Baltazar said. “We have some girls who have won championships from basketball and track, so hopefully they can show the pedigree and the work ethic it takes for flag football.”
