The Dixon High School Girls' Flag Football team closed its season 20-0 overall and 14-0 in Golden Empire League play, securing its third consecutive league championship and extending a run that head coach Kirk Morris considers the product of a committed group of student-athletes. Photo courtesy of Dixon High School Girls’ Flag Football

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon High School girls’ flag football team closed its season 20-0 overall and 14-0 in Golden Empire League play, securing its third consecutive league championship and extending a run that head coach Kirk Morris called the product of a committed group of student-athletes.

“Being 20-0 and to three-peat as league champion is no small feat,” said Morris. “We have some pretty amazing flag football student-athletes that like to compete at the highest level and push each other to be one big family.”

The Lady Rams advanced through their first postseason appearance with a 50-0 win over Millennium High School on Oct. 28. Their season ended in the second round with a 37-13 loss to Sonora High School.

According to Morris, the team’s development this year included athletes who were new to the sport.

Alongside new players, Morris credits the team’s continued success to support families, cheerleaders and the school community. Photo courtesy of Dixon High School Girls’ Flag Football

“Watching our student-athletes that have never touched the football, let alone played at a high level … their growth over the season has been super fun to watch,” said Morris. “Super proud of these young students.”

Senior leadership was central to the team’s success. The program’s original players, seniors Emily Morris and Jordin Callen, completed their third undefeated league season. Emily Morris, a captain and middle linebacker who also played quarterback, was named league MVP and is a three-time first-team all-league selection.

“She plays defense and offense at an extremely high level,” said Morris. “Her lockdown defense and confidence makes everybody better around her.”

Morris is committed to playing Division I softball at Saint Mary’s College.

Callen, also a captain, anchored the defense as a cornerback and contributed as a wide receiver.

“Callen is our lockdown corner,” said Morris. “She’s been a constant figure of big games and huge catches. She is an amazing student-athlete who will most definitely be missed in our program.”

First-year senior Yadira Mendoza joined the team after last year’s school powderpuff game. Morris said she excelled immediately at center.

“She wanted to be a center, one of the hardest positions on the field, and she did an amazing job at her craft,” said Morris. “She has most definitely set the bar for the future centers at Dixon High School.”

The Lady Rams advanced through their first-ever postseason appearance with a 50-0 win over Millennium High School on Oct. 28. Their season ended in the second round with a 37-13 loss to Sonora High School. According to Coach Morris, senior leadership was central to the team’s success. Photo courtesy of Dixon High School Girls’ Flag Football

Another senior, Azayla Puch, known by teammates as “Juice,” served as a running back and defensive rusher.

Morris described Puch as one of the fastest athletes in the area.

“She could take a one-yard gain and turn it into a 60-yard touchdown run,” said Morris. “She has set the bar extremely high for Dixon High School sports.”

Taresli Guzman, another senior on the team, was unfortunately incapable of competing during the season due to injury, but according to Morris, Guzman remained supportive of her teammates.

Morris said younger players benefited from practicing alongside veterans.

“My approach is always to include the younger players with the varsity team to help build confidence,” said Morris. “Developing is all about confidence in your craft.”

He also credited families, cheerleaders and the school community for their support.

“Our fan base got to see some amazing plays and amazing games,” said Morris.

Looking ahead, Morris said, the program will continue pursuing league titles.

“Next year we’re going to still reach for the stars,” said Morris. “Four in a row would be something special.”

Reflecting on the season, Morris said, “It was truly a magical run. The year was filled with spectacular plays, watching this group come together as one. Super proud of the whole entire program.”

For more information, visit the Lady Rams Instagram page, @lady.ramsflagfootball or call 707-693-6330.