November 3rd 2024.
In the years to come, as new records are set and high school legacies are solidified, two names will stand out in the world of girls flag football: Saylor Swanson and Sara Walker.
As seniors at Arvada West High School, Saylor and Sara have made an unforgettable mark on the sport in its inaugural seasons. Last year, they led their team to victory in the state tournament when flag football was still just a pilot program. And now, in their grand finale, they are leading the No. 2 Wildcats to the Class 5A championship game against No. 1 Mountain Vista at Jeffco's Trail Blazer Stadium.
Mountain Vista earned their spot in the title game by defeating Legend 37-19 in the other semifinal on Saturday, setting the stage for an epic showdown for the first official CHSAA-sanctioned Class 5A championship.
For Saylor, this is the moment they have been working towards ever since their win last season. She reflected on the growing popularity of their sport, which she is often asked about. Her teammate Sara, a dominant wide receiver, also shared her thoughts and praised Saylor's ability to throw long passes over the top of defenses.
The two have formed an unstoppable duo, with Saylor's impressive stats of 395-of-555 passing for 4,300 yards and 72 touchdowns, and Sara's average of 84.5 yards per game and 27 touchdown receptions.
And despite their height difference – Saylor at 5-foot-6 and Sara at 6-feet – they have proven to be a formidable force on the field. Their only two losses this season were to Mountain Vista in their second game and to Cherry Creek in their sixth game.
Sara believes their early loss to Mountain Vista taught them a valuable lesson – that there is no room for complacency in this sport. She admitted that they may have underestimated their competition, but quickly learned that there are no easy wins and that the game has evolved with the implementation of new rules and a larger field.
In fact, A-West's success has caught the attention of CBS Sports, who will be featuring the Wildcats on a nationally-aired TV special called "Courage in Sports: Gridiron Greatness." The special, airing on Sunday after the Broncos game, will highlight the growth of flag football, which is now sanctioned in 11 states. CBS spoke with Saylor, Sara, and their teammate Molly Schellpeper about their experiences and the growth of the sport.
As they prepare for the championship game and bask in the recognition of their achievements, Saylor and Sara have solidified their place in the birth of girls high school flag football in Colorado. And for those who want to stay updated on Denver's teams, they can sign up for the Sports Omelette for all the latest analysis.
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