By VINCENT CASTRO

“Expect the unexpected,” said senior Jordan Beccera, starting cornerback for the Orangewood High School Dragons flag football team.

For the first time in district history, according to Orangewood coach Mark Perkins, there was a flag football tournament for continuation high schools in the area.   

The games were played at the outdoor football field in Central City Park in Fontana on Oct. 26.

The Orangewood Dragons were coached by Perkins and Orangewood engineering teacher Matthew Stewart. 

“I was very proud of how the athletes participated and I couldn’t have done it without Mr. Stewart,” said Perkins.

In the game of flag football, it is a seven on seven. Each game is four quarters long and each quarter is 15 minutes long.  Each school that attends the tournament is guaranteed three games.  The three games are to consider where they stand in the bracket for playoffs. 

The Orangewood flag football team went into the tournament with only five weeks of practice. Practices were held everyday at lunch on the soccer field.

The Dragons played their first game against Birch High School from Fontana. When going against Birch, Orangewood never let go of the lead and proceeded to win the game 27-14.

“Winning feels better when it’s earned,” said senior Samuel Bahena, starting rusher. 

The second game of the tournament for the Dragons was against Sierra High School from San Bernardino. The Dragons lost to Sierra 26-12.  

Orangewood had a third game against Slover and took the win 30-16, sending them to the championship game against Sierra. 

In the championship game it was a back and forth between touchdowns until Orangewood got intercepted and scored on, losing the game by four, 28-24.  

“We failed, but we will be back,” said junior Jeremy Zaragoza, starting wide receiver. 

The Orangewood High School flag football team with coaches Matthew Stewart (top left) and Mark Perkins (top right). “We are not a team because we work together, we are a team because we work and respect each other,” said junior Jesus Arana, defensive captain. (Photo courtesy of Orangewood High School principal Carli Norris)

Correction: The original posting of this article stated two weeks of practice. It has been corrected to state five weeks of practice. Nov. 18, 2022 6:30 pm.