Perhaps it was meant to be. 

The first year flag football was sanctioned by the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the ‘inaugural’ game was held at Mountain View’s Toro stadium, celebrated and sponsored by the Arizona Cardinals, complete with an appearance by Kyler Murray and all the fancy fixings. 

The same venue was even designated for the state championship game. 

Fast Forward 10 weeks, and it was Mountain View’s flag football team celebrating the first championship trophy. 

The #9 seeded Toros completed an unexpected playoff run against #11 Mountain Ridge with a 10-7 victory on their home field, finishing a dream season that won’t be forgotten. 

“This is just really special,” freshman quarterback Tianah Metcalf said afterward. 

“I’m not sure if there’s a better way to say it.” 

Metcalf can’t be blamed for the loss of words. The postseason projections did not include either team in the state final. 

But for the fourth time in the playoffs, Mountain View found a way to win. 

The Christensen sisters—Sadie and Tessa—combined for the Toros’ 10 points with a touchdown pass and field goal, while the defense did just enough to preserve the three point win. 

“I’ll tell you what,” Mountain View coach Jesus Arzaga said afterward. 

“These girls come to battle every day and every game. When things really counted, they all showed up and made it happen.”  

The Toros got through round one over #8 Desert Vista before taking down top seeded Highland in the quarterfinals and then #4 Hamilton in the semifinals. 

Mountain Ridge fought its own underdog course to the finals, which was only fitting. 

The title game was a defensive battle finally broken towards the end of the second quarter when Mountain View quarterback Tiarah Metcalf found Sadie Christensen in the endzone from 11 yards. 

Later in the third quarter, Tessa Christensen connected on a field goal to give the Toros a 10-0 lead. 

But Mountain Ridge wasn’t finished. 

A Peyton Yankovich touchdown reception near the end of the third quarter made it a game again. 

“We don’t ever give up “ Mountain Ridge quarterback Madison Green said after the game. 

“We wouldn’t have been in this game if giving up was an option.”

The fourth quarter turned into a battle of defense and field position before Mountain View ultimately held out. As she's done all through the playoffs, Ginny Wilson came up clutch for the Toros with three sacks.

“These are just amazing girls and we have amazing coaches,” coach Arzaga added. 

“I’m not sure I can put it all into words.”