Flag football: San Marin closing in on MCAL pennant

On the biggest night in MCAL girls flag football history, San Marin came up with huge plays on offense and defense to inch closer to the league’s first championship pennant.

The Mustangs (11-4, 7-1 MCAL) beat cross-town rival Novato 21-7 under the lights on Wednesday to remain ahead of the Hornets and Redwood, which are now tied for second at 6-3.

Since there are no MCAL playoffs, both league and city bragging rights were at stake when the Mustangs and Hornets (8-5) took the field. Coming off back-to-back losses, including an upset at Redwood on Monday, San Marin made sure to take care of business from the outset, building a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter and never looking back.

“I’m really happy we’re one win away from clinching the very first banner in MCAL,” said San Marin coach Lincoln Green. “Novato is a great team. It’s very hard. Every time you play Novato, you’ve got to give them their props — you have to be prepared to play them.”

The Mustangs’ big-play offense was led by speedy sophomore Olivia Van Dis, who returned a punt 50 yards to give the Mustangs a 6-0 first-quarter lead. Van Dis added a 30-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Avery Bishop with 3:20 remaining in the third quarter for the final margin.

“They’ve connected on so many touchdowns this year,” said Green. “It’s unbelievable — probably around 20-plus touchdowns the entire year. They read each other very well.”

Bishop also combined with Leah Cronin for a 53-yard TD pass early in the second quarter to help push the Mustangs ahead 14-0. San Marin’s defense hauled in five interceptions, including three by sophomore Molly Stafford.

“We really wanted to win this game to win MCALs,” said Bishop. “Olivia communicates what routes she’s running and what she sees from the defense. We connect a lot.”

The Mustangs’ brief two-game slide started last week at North Coast Section defending champ Alameda, where they suffered a 26-0 loss. Then they played in the rain at Redwood on Monday, falling 18-12, making their date with Novato critical.

Van Dis says playing against powerhouse Alameda was a great learning experience that paid off against Novato.

“I learned you have to sell your fakes to get open and be determined on your plays,” said Van Dis, who also plays lacrosse. “This is my new sport. I’m really enjoying it.”

With a chance to earn a share of the MCAL title, Novato fell victim to San Marin’s stingy defense. The Hornets’ only score came with 2:33 left in the first half on a 12-yard run by Lexie Snyder. The TD was set up by a 35-yard pass from Seanna Madsen to Nabilah Nijem.

“San Marin is a good team,” said Novato coach Damon Jones. “The better team won tonight.”

NCS will offer two playoff divisions this year after running just one 16-team bracket last season. San Marin and Novato have good chances to make the Division II tournament, while Redwood is eyeing a Division I berth.

Even though the Hornets lost to San Marin for the second time this season, Jones believes Novato will advance to postseason play and maybe even earn a rematch with the Mustangs.

“I feel we will get an at-large berth,” said Jones. “Hopefully, we get a third game against San Marin.”