Sierra earned at least a share of the first-ever Valley Oak League flag football championship on Tuesday with its 30-14 victory over visiting Oakdale.
The Timberwolves (10-1 VOL, 17-5 overall) can secure the outright claim by downing Oakdale again Thursday on the road. Then it’s on to their first appearance in the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, which begin next Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Sierra was part of the Tri-City Athletic League last year when flag football was sanctioned by the California Interscholastic Federation. For the tradition-rich VOL, this is its inaugural season with the sport.
“It’s awesome. Playing football has always been my dream, so when this came up last year I was like, ‘I’m for sure going to play this,’” said Taylor Zalunardo, one of six seniors honored before the game.
“It’s an honor. We worked so hard. I think everything we’ve done to get to this moment, it just feels so rewarding. We deserve this, and our coach works so hard for us, too.”
The championship run has been a family affair for Zalunardo. Father Chris is the head coach, and younger sister Tessa, a freshman, is one of the quarterbacks.
Taylor rushed six times for 60 yards and a touchdown, while Tessa ran for 67 yards and a score while throwing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-8 passing.
“It’s so fun,” Tessa said. “It’s like a family. The whole team is a big family, and I’m excited to play with my sister with his being her last year playing (at Sierra).”
The electric Janessa Barnes did not get into the end zone but contributed 103 yards on four receptions. She also had one run play cover 37 yards.
Peyton Duarte (two receptions, 62 yards) and Zoe Sutton (three receptions, 48 yards) pitched in one touchdown reception apiece. Sutton added a two-point try.
Maitland Kohoutek, Sierra’s other highly-productive QB, completed five of eight passes for 79 yards and a touchdown.
Margeil Garcia led the defense with five tackles and three sacks.
Leila Muller was the all-around standout for Oakdale (4-7, 4-10), which trailed 23-0 at halftime.
The Timberwolves threatened to put the game away in the opening minutes of the second half when they were on the Oakdale 4-yard line on a fourth-down play. Tessa Zalunardo mishandled the ball after taking the snap, and Muller snatched it as it was bobbled in midair and took it 73 yards the other way for the Mustangs’ first points.
“It was an honest mistake,” Zalunardo said. “I did it wrong and it was my fault, but after that we picked it up.”
She made up for it just two plays later, scoring on an uncontested 49-yard scamper down the right sideline.
“I just looked at the field, and that side was wide open,” she said.
Oakdale managed to stay in the game with a quick score, as Muller struck for an impressive 36-yard catch-and-run with about 11 minutes to go. She leapt vertically to make the tough grab between two Sierra defenders before turning for the touchdown.
The speedy Muller finished with 65 yards on three catches. She was also Oakdale’s defensive leader with six tackles and three sacks. Quarterback Grace Constant finished 7-of-16 for 107 yards.
Oakdale is the reason Sierra has a shot at garnering sole possession of the title. Three weeks ago, the Mustangs stunned East Union at home 28-27, and the Timberwolves have held onto their one-game lead ever since.
Coach Zalunardo was not concerned about his team overlooking its opponent.
“We never take any team lightly,” he said. “At the end of the day, we get on the field and do what we do no matter who is on the other side of the ball. They do a pretty good job of that. Tonight was a little different because there were some distractions on top of it. I think this was a challenge to stay focused, but they did it and got the job done.
“We’re super excited to be where we are right now. The girls put a lot of hard work into the season, and we’re excited for the games to come.”
Sierra also won the JV game, 46-12. The T’wolves improved to 7-1-1 in the VOL, 12-3-2 overall.
