On October 30th, 2025, the Sahuaro High School Flag Football team made history by hosting its first-ever Senior Night, marking a memorable end to their inaugural season. The event, held on the Cougars’ home field, celebrated the hard work, dedication, and leadership of the team’s five seniors: Carol Jackson, Lila Rodriguez, Maleia Brito, Tienna Navarro, and J-da Croskey. The ceremony began fifteen minutes before kickoff, as each senior was honored with memories shared, flowers, and cheers from teammates, friends, and family who filled the stands to show their support.
The Cougars won the coin toss, electing to start the game with the ball on their own 30-yard line. Both teams fought hard throughout the first quarter, but strong defensive stands kept the score locked at zero. In the second quarter, the momentum shifted in favor of the Cougars. Junior Harmony Twito made a game-changing play, blocking a pass and intercepting the ball near the Cougar endzone. Twito’s quick reaction and field awareness set the Cougars up perfectly, leading to their first touchdown of the night, putting Sahuaro on the board and bringing the energy to the team.
Building on that momentum, Sahuaro’s defense continued to shut down Vista Grande’s offense, forcing multiple turnovers and keeping them scoreless. As the second half got underway, the Cougars’ offense found its rhythm. Senior center Maleia Brito, one of the team’s leaders both on and off the field, made an explosive play, catching a pass right in the middle of the endzone, over multiple defenders to score Sahuaro’s second touchdown of the night. The crowd erupted in celebration as Brito’s first touchdown of the season extended the Cougars’ lead and symbolized the seniors’ lasting impact on the team’s first-ever season.
Vista Grande, who came into the game with a 2–7 record, continued to fight, but the Cougars’ defense held strong. With sharp communication, quick flag pulls, and confident play-calling, Sahuaro controlled the pace of the game until the final whistle. The Cougars ultimately secured a well-deserved victory, closing out their first season of flag football with a 3–7 record. The night ended with heart felt messages from coaches Colleen Bradley and Ty Lenk. Coach Lenk saying “I am incredibly proud of the growth from you ladies, and the dedication and perseverance y’all have shown through every game no matter the win or loss.”
For Sahuaro, this win meant more than just numbers on a scoreboard, it was a representation of growth, teamwork, and a promising foundation for the future. The program’s first year was filled with learning moments, breakthroughs, and unforgettable memories. As the seniors took their final bows on the field, they left behind a legacy that will inspire future Cougar flag football players for years to come.
