A defensive showdown between the San Marcos Royals and St. Joseph of Lakewood ended with the Royals pulling away for a hard-fought 13-7 victory in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 flag football playoffs.
The Royals managed just enough offense from sophomore quarterback Victoria Aldana and senior Peyton Sperling in a tight, low-scoring contest. Credit goes to both defenses, which allowed only one touchdown each.
San Marcos opened the game with an efficient first drive that ended in a Sperling touchdown run straight up the middle. The Royals converted the extra point on a quick dump-off pass to receiver Janelle Capuno, taking an early 7–0 lead.