Patriot High’s Flag Football Team Becomes a Powerhouse in Jurupa Valley

Patriot High School’s Unexpected Rise in Flag Football

Twenty years ago, the site where Patriot High School now stands in Jurupa Valley was nothing but rolling hills and grazing sheep. Fast forward to 2024, and the school has become the home of the three-time River Valley League flag football champions, showcasing an impressive rise in a sport newly sanctioned by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

Overcoming Obstacles in High School Sports

Patriot High’s success in flag football comes despite financial disparities common in middle to lower-income schools versus their wealthier suburban counterparts. For example, while their competitors from Torrance Bishop Montgomery arrived on a luxury air-conditioned coach, Patriot’s team endured rides in basic yellow school buses without air conditioning, even in extreme heat. Yet, such challenges have not deterred the Patriots, who recently bested Bishop Montgomery 25-7 in October.

Introduction of Flag Football and Team Background

Flag football, originally created during World War II as a safer alternative to tackle football for military personnel, took decades before organized female leagues emerged. The field measures 80 yards by 40 yards, and players wear belts with flags that defenders aim to pull off to end each play. In 2024, coinciding with the CIF’s official sanctioning of girls flag football, Patriot High formed its own team, drawing students eager to participate in the growing sport.

Key Players and Team Success

Senior wide receiver Alana Carrillo stands out as a driving force behind the team’s achievements. Inspired to play flag football at age 9 after viewing a YouTube video, Carrillo was unable to play tackle football as a child, but eagerly joined Patriot High’s new team. On October 13, she scored three touchdowns during a 57-0 win against A.B. Miller and was later celebrated as the league MVP. Reflecting on her high school experience, Carrillo highlighted the importance of character, camaraderie, and resilience, noting how her team always supports one another.

Family and friends gathered on Senior Night after the commanding win, recognizing Carrillo’s role since the program’s inception. For Patriot High, this season marked not only a third consecutive league title, but also its first-ever advancement in the CIF playoffs. The team finished with a 14-6-0 record, before falling in the second round to Compton High (21-1-0).

Leadership and Legacy

Guiding the team has been head coach Giselle Kendall, a longtime physical education department chair who announced her retirement this year. Kendall’s journey from Peru to the U.S. as a child, and her reliance on sports as a unifying language, have shaped her approach as a mentor. The team’s historic first playoff win on October 20, which coincided with the anniversary of Kendall’s mother’s death, became a deeply emotional moment. Senior Alana Carrillo embraced Kendall after the match, whispering, “We did it for you and your mom,” highlighting the tight-knit bond within the squad.

A Growing Sport in Jurupa Valley

Located just east of Los Angeles in Riverside County, Jurupa Valley boasts a diverse community, with over 107,000 residents and a 72% Hispanic and Latino population. Patriot High School, with about 2,400 students, has quickly established itself as a flag football powerhouse, inspiring future athletes in the area. The school’s program has not only achieved on-field success but has also fostered character, resilience, and strong community spirit among its players.

Source: latimes.com.