By Mason Byers
Staff Writer
The matchup between Mountain View and Hamilton in the 6A flag football semifinals meant a lot to both teams.
The two teams played each other in the semifinals last year, with Mountain View getting the best of Hamilton and later went on to win the 6A title.
However, this year's outcome was different. Much different.
Hamilton was able to get its revenge in 2024 in dominating fashion, knocking off Mountain View 24-0 Wednesday night.
The Huskies started the game strong.
In classic fashion, they drove down the field during a methodical drive.
Freshman standout quarterback Marlie Phillips found sophomore wide
receiver Aaliya Van Heel for a 3-yard touchdown to get the game started.
Hamilton head coach Matt Stone has been pleased with Phillips all season long. He said she still has plenty of work to do, but the sky is the limit.
“I don’t know what her ceiling is,” Stone said. “I think it is really really high.”
Something that can’t be overlooked is how good the Huskies defense has been this
season. Midway in the second quarter senior defensive back Trinity Smith came
down with a huge interception to stop Mountain View's drive.
At halftime the score was 10-0, however Hamilton was not satisfied with its lead.
On the Huskies opening drive of the second half, Phillips was once again able to throw a passing touchdown, this time to her favorite target Samaya Taylor-Jenkins.
Phillips has helped take Hamilton to another level and knows the Huskies' destiny is in their
hands.
“We’re writing the story this year,” Phillips said. “We’re just about to write this story as
perfect as we want.”
Hamilton stayed aggressive the entire game and ended up scoring one last
touchdown. Phillips found Taylor-Jenkins once again, this time for a 2-yard touchdown.
Taylor-Jenkins was pleased with her team's effort all season. She said chemistry has played a role in the Huskies' success.
“This is one of the strongest teams out there,” Taylor-Jenkins said. “We’re all very
together.”
Hamilton will face off against Red Mountain for the 6A championship on Saturday. The Huskies currently sit at 16-0 and have an opportunity to become the first team to finish with an undefeated record.
But the Huskies are staying focused. They know they have to win one more to truly celebrate the season they've had.
“We’re not gonna sit here and talk about what we’ve done in the past,” Stone said.
“There is time for that and when the season is over and we’re victorious.”
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