Gahr will seek its first CIF-SS girls flag football championship when it faces San Clemente in the Division 2 final at Huntington Beach High on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. The Gladiators enter the matchup with an 18-6 record, while the Tritons are 13-9.
The championship appearance is a first for Gahr, which placed fourth in the Gateway League before winning four consecutive playoff games. The Gladiators opened with a 24-12 victory over Serra, shut out Upland 22-0 in the second round, defeated La Habra 26-12 in the quarterfinals and beat Segerstrom 30-0 in the semifinals.
First-year Gahr coach Marnello Berry credited the team's demanding league schedule with preparing it for the postseason. He said the players remained humble and continued working through the process. For Berry, their commitment to the program and its coaches has been central to reaching the championship game.
Junior quarterback Maliah Gomez has passed for 7,856 yards and 67 touchdowns, with 26 interceptions. Gomez said confidence in her receivers has helped her at quarterback, allowing her to trust that teammates will go after the ball when she throws it. She also expressed pride in the team and gratitude for its support.
Senior receiver Camarra Brown-Stanton has recorded 147 receptions for 2,035 yards and 21 touchdowns. She credited her production to her connection with Gomez and the backing of her teammates, emphasizing the quarterback's role in helping her accumulate those receiving yards.
Senior running back Devynn Gourdine has contributed both on the ground and through the air. She has rushed for 1,627 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 110 catches for 1,564 yards and 13 scores. Gourdine also expressed pride in her teammates and appreciation for the opportunity to play alongside them.
Junior receiver Mylia Garcia has 120 receptions for 1,755 yards and 17 touchdowns. On defense, she leads Gahr with 35 interceptions. Garcia said her experience as a soccer goalkeeper helps her anticipate the ball's direction, a skill she draws on when defending passes.
San Clemente reached the final after finishing second in the Sea View League. The Tritons beat Foothill 20-0 and Sonora 27-12 in the first two rounds, edged Villa Park 13-12 in the quarterfinals and defeated Chaminade 45-14 in the semifinals. San Clemente previously finished as the Division 3 runner-up in 2024.
For Berry, a championship would carry significance for Cerritos and Gahr High School, particularly for the players who embraced the program when he arrived. He said their willingness to follow the coaching staff's direction helped put Gahr in position to compete for the Division 2 title.
