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Flag football girls end season with playoff loss
11-5 flag
Escalon’s Kendie Baker keeps her eye on the ball as the Riverbank defense works to close in during a ‘play in’ game for the Section playoffs. Escalon won the game, 12-0, over host Riverbank. Times Photo By Ric McGinnis

Winning a play-in game in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 flag football playoffs, the Escalon Lady Cougars were on the road in nearby Riverbank for that contest.

Head coach Steve Riesenbeck said the girls defeated the host Riverbank Lady Bruins on Oct. 27 by a 12-0 final “in a defensive struggle which marked the first ‘road’ playoff win in program history.”

Leading the way defensively was sophomore Yaya Marsellis, who had three interceptions in the game.

Sophomore quarterback Bretta Brooks found fellow sophomore Kenley Koops early in the fourth quarter for the first score, said Riesenbeck.

“Senior captain Reagan Baker sealed the deal late with a monster TD run,” the coach added of the 12-0 final.

Escalon ended number 14 seed Riverbank’s season with the play-in game victory, which then put the Lady Cougars – seeded number 19 – on the road for a long ride to Colfax for a first round game on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

There, the girls were shut out by number three seed Colfax, 20-0.

Riesenbeck said it was the second straight season that the Cougars traveled to Colfax, ending their season there both times.

“Despite the valiant effort, the Cougars could not get in the end zone and would fall 20-0 ending their 2025 campaign,” Riesenbeck said.

Playing in their final game as Lady Cougars for the flag football team were seniors Gabriella De La O Vigil, Aislinn Ingles, Yareli Cervantes, Peyton Merrill, Soraya Aguayo, Reagan Baker and Jasmine Barron.

“No matter the score or outcome of each game, the Cougars continued to work hard and the effort put in by the girls throughout the season speaks volumes to their character and work ethic,” said Riesenbeck. “The 2025 Cougars worked hard to achieve the standard of those who came before them who set the bar high for hard work, family and sisterhood.”

Riesenbeck was also glad to see the senior members of the team get a chance for one more playoff appearance.

“These seniors have a lot to be proud of and with three of the graduating seven having their footprint in the program for three years now, they can look back and be proud of their accomplishments and commitment to continuing to build something for the future generations of EHS flag football players.”