As girls’ flag football continues to grow and evolve each season, the St. Anthony Saints are hoping to develop a competitive program in a very difficult league.
Last season, the Saints made it to the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs, and know they have a tough road to make it back in 2025. Athletic director Vincent Nolasco stepped in as interim head coach this season for the Saints, and says he’s excited for the challenge of his first high school head coaching gig.
“The success that they had last year in the inaugural season, that’s something I really wanted to continue for them, because they were really excited for the opportunity last year,” said Nolasco of taking over the program. “I did not want to let the team down in terms of not having a coach, that’s why I stepped in and I’m really excited about the opportunity. It’s been fun.”
St. Anthony opened the season with a pair of victories–a 12-7 win at St. Paul followed by a 45-0 drubbing of Ramona Convent in their home opener. The Saints have made a concerted effort to play Monday night home games this season, allowing more parents and spectators to watch the sport, which has traditionally been played in the afternoon.
“The idea is to really bring in the community aspect for the parents and families, so that they don’t have to rush to get off work early to go see their daughter or their niece play,” said Nolasco of the “Monday Night Football” scheduling. “We’re really excited about the opportunity, because we have the lights, so we want to take advantage of that.”
The Saints don’t have a deep roster this season, but do return some experience from last year’s squad. Chief among them is senior quarterback Jordyn Washington, who is a tri-sport athlete also competing in basketball and track for the Saints. Her athleticism will make her a dangerous player with the ball in her hands, especially if defenses decide to blitz and give her the chance to scramble.
There’s also a familiar name back in the fold for St. Anthony football fans, as senior Nila Lolesio-Pua returns at running back and wide receiver. She’s primarily a rugby player, according to her head coach, and is following in the footsteps of older brothers Elijah and Jasiah Lolesio-Pua, who were standout players on the Saints football team.
Other key players for St. Anthony this season are senior Layla Starks, junior Adayna Mmeje and freshman Deja Graham.
The Saints will have a tough path to the postseason as one of five teams in the Camino Real League, all of which made the playoffs last year. St. Anthony will face each of their four league mates twice during the season, and it’s a tough slate with Bishop Montgomery, Serra, St. Mary’s Academy, and powerhouse Saint Joseph in the league. The Jesters went 21-1 last year, were ranked No. 1 in the nation, and reached the CIF-SS Division 1 title game.
The Saints will play their next home game this Saturday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. against Buena Park.
