Newport Harbor HS and Corona del Mar HS girls flag football teams compete in “Battle of the Bay”

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar competed in flag football which, on Sept. 29, was established as a CIF Southern Section-approved sport. Once the state council gives the final approval in February, girls’ flag football will be officially added as a CIF sport for the 2023-24 school year.

Both teams honored their seniors following the game where Harbor beat Corona del Mar 18-6, completing the regular season undefeated and winning the Pacific League. 

At halftime, the game was tied with a score of 6-6, but Harbor came out strong in the second half and never looked back. Their relentless defense was no surprise, given that they allowed only 4.5 points per game and hadn’t given up more than six points in the regular season.

Harbor standout player Sophomore Maia Helmar caught two touchdown passes from senior quarterback Jianna Lopez and made two interceptions on defense. Senior Isa Whittaker also caught a touchdown pass. Senior Delaney Gahm started the Harbor program in 2021. She is co-captain this year, along with Maia Helmar. 

Corona del Mar is in its first year and finished the regular season 4-3-1. Sophomore quarterback Alexa Rokos and Junior receiver Alex Boserup are co-captains. The football club was started by CdM junior cornerback Peyton Vovan and senior Brea Sofferman. The only touchdown for Cdm came from Rokos to Boserup. 

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