Panthers Hold Off Benicia to Advance to NCS Semifinals

Thursday,, OCtober 30, 2025 - On a chilly night in Santa Rosa, the Saint Mary’s Panthers were put to the test by Benicia High School in the North Coast Section Division II Quarterfinals. At stake — a spot in the semifinals.

The game started slowly, with Saint Mary’s pinned deep at their own three-yard line and giving up a safety for the game’s first points. But the Panthers quickly responded, marching down the field as senior quarterback Gabby Clement ran it in for a touchdown to take a 7-2 lead.

Both defenses held strong through the second quarter, sending the game into halftime with no additional scores.

Coming out of the break, the Panthers defense forced a three-and-out and capitalized when Clement connected with senior and NCS leading scorer Eli Kudemus on a 10-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-2.

Saint Mary’s had another chance to score at the goal line, but Benicia held firm. Despite multiple red-zone stands, the Panther defense answered back, stopping Benicia on three separate drives to preserve their lead.

Benicia finally found success with a long touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, narrowing the score to 14-9. With just over a minute left, Saint Mary’s looked poised to seal the game after a 35-yard run by Kudemus — only for an interception at the 4-yard line to give Benicia one last chance.

The Panthers’ defense stood tall when it mattered most, stopping Benicia on a crucial 4th-and-10 to close out the 14-9 victory.

Leading the way for Saint Mary’s was Eli Kudemus, who finished with 9 carries for 140 yards and one touchdown.      added one rushing score and threw for 182 yards on 15-of-29 passing.

With the win, the Panthers advance to the NCS Division II Semifinals, where they’ll face Acalanes High School on Tuesday, November 4th at 5:00 PM.

Panthers Advance to Quarterfinals with 40–20 Win Over Pinole Valley

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football hit the road to Hercules for the opening round of the North Coast Section Division II Championships, taking on Pinole Valley High School. After a slow start, the Panthers found their rhythm and rolled to a 40–20 victory to advance to the quarterfinals.

The first quarter saw senior Eli Kudemus ignite the offense with a 70-yard touchdown run off a pass from quarterback Gabby Clement. Pinole Valley answered with a score of their own, tying the game 6–6 after one.

In the second quarter, the Panthers took control with an explosive three-touchdown surge to take a commanding 28–6 halftime lead. Kudemus added two more touchdowns before halftime, extending her remarkable season total to 54 touchdowns.

By the third quarter, Saint Mary’s built a comfortable 40–6 lead before turning to their reserves in the fourth, closing out the 40–20 win.

Leading the way for the Panthers, Kudemus scored four touchdowns, while Clement threw for over 200 yards on 14-of-19 passing. Clement also led the team defensively, pulling 11 flags on the night.

With the victory, Saint Mary’s improves to 19–0 on the season and advances to the NCS Quarterfinals, where they will face Benicia High School on Thursday at 7:30 PM at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa.

Panthers Celebrate Senior Day with Dominant 40-0 Win Over Bethel

Monday, October 13, 2025 - Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football capped off Senior Day in style, earning a commanding 40-0 victory over Jesse Bethel High School. Despite torrential rain, the Panthers showcased their trademark focus, discipline, and teamwork.

Before kickoff, the team honored six seniors — Elia Anne Kudemus, Lilianna Moya, Elise Roddier, Gabriela Clement, and Anna Wilkie — for their contributions and leadership throughout the season.

Once the game began, the Panthers wasted no time making a statement. On their first possession, Eli Kudemus, who has now climbed to #4 nationally in total touchdowns, led the opening drive and scored to set the tone. Kudemus added two more touchdowns in the game, while senior Gabriela Clement added two of her own, and senior Mayari Negron-Gonzales found the end zone as well.

Defensively, Saint Mary’s was suffocating — applying pressure throughout the contest and consistently pulling flags behind the line of scrimmage. The Panthers’ defense allowed virtually no offensive rhythm from Bethel, earning yet another shutout.

With the win, Saint Mary’s improves to 16-0 overall and 14-0 in TCAL play. The Panthers will look to keep their perfect season alive when they travel to face Hercules High School this Wednesday.

Saturday, October 11, 2025 - The Saint Mary’s Panthers continue their dominant run through the 2025 season, moving to 15-0 overall and 13-0 in TCAL play after another commanding performance. The Panthers have been a force on both sides of the ball all year, averaging 35 points per game while holding opponents to just six points per game — a testament to their balance, preparation, and relentless defense.

Currently ranked #3 in the North Coast Section Division II, Saint Mary’s has solidified itself as one of the most complete teams in Northern California.

Leading the charge is senior Eli Kudemus, who has emerged as one of the top playmakers in the nation, currently ranked #6 in scoring across the country. Alongside him, sophomore Bea Branagh has been a consistent contributor, finding the end zone with ease and averaging three touchdowns per game over the last three contests.

The Panthers will celebrate their seniors this Monday as they host Jesse Bethel High School for Senior Day — a chance to honor the leadership and hard work that have powered this remarkable, undefeated season.

Panthers Dominate De Anza on Homecoming Day

Saturday, September 27, 2025 - The Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football team celebrated Homecoming in style with a commanding 47-0 victory over De Anza. From start to finish, the Panthers displayed their trademark defensive intensity, shutting down every opportunity and keeping their season average of just 6.3 points allowed per game firmly intact.

The Panthers struck early and never looked back, putting up 20 points in the first half before adding 27 more after the break. Senior Elise Roddier got on the board with one touchdown, while senior Elia Kudemus and sophomore Beatrice Branagh each found the end zone three times.

Through 10 games, the Panthers have built their reputation on being one of the stingiest defenses in the region, and today was no exception. The Homecoming crowd had plenty to cheer about as the Panthers reminded everyone why they are one of the top contenders this season.

Next up, the Panthers hit the road to Hercules to take on El Cerrito High School on Monday.

Girls Flag Football Improves to 10-0 with Win Over Berkeley

Monday, September 22, 2025 - The Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football team continued their undefeated run, moving to 10-0 on the season with a victory over Berkeley High School in a non-conference matchup. The Panthers’ defense was dominant, tallying a season-high six interceptions to limit the Yellowjackets to just 12 points.

The offense set the tone early as Elia Kudemus opened the scoring in the first half. Kudemus would go on to add a touchdown in each of the first three quarters, giving Saint Mary’s steady momentum throughout the game. In the fourth quarter, Beatrice Branagh capped off the scoring with another touchdown for the Panthers.

On the defensive side, Gabby Clement led the charge, securing three interceptions of her own as part of the Panthers’ outstanding team effort.

With the win, Saint Mary’s continues its remarkable season. The Panthers will return to action on Saturday at 4:30pm at Brady Field, facing De Anza in their final contest before the Homecoming Dance. Fans are encouraged to come out and show their support for this history-making squad.

Panthers Power Past Hercules with Strong Second Half

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - Saint Mary’s traveled to Pinole Valley for a neutral-site showdown against Hercules, with both teams coming in off strong starts to their seasons. The Panthers entered the contest ranked #3 in NCS Division II, while Hercules held the #9 spot.

The Titans struck first, surprising Saint Mary’s, who had been the ones to open scoring in every game this season. The Panthers struggled offensively in the first quarter and, for the first time this year, were held scoreless through one.

In the second quarter, the defense tightened up, shutting out Hercules while the Panthers put two touchdowns on the board. Sophomore Mayari Negron-Gonzales and senior Elia Kudemus, the TCAL’s leading scorer, each found the end zone to give Saint Mary’s a 13-7 halftime lead.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point as the Panthers erupted for three touchdowns. Kudemus added two more scores to complete her hat trick, and senior Gabby Clement contributed another. By the end of the third, Saint Mary’s had stretched the lead to 33-7.

Hercules managed one final score in the fourth, but the Panthers closed out a 33-14 victory to continue their strong season.

Saint Mary’s returns to action on Saturday, hosting all TCAL teams on Brady Field. Games are scheduled for 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm. The Panthers open play against Pinole Valley at 11:30am. Come out and support your Panthers — Saint Mary’s students get in free!

Girls Flag Football Remains Undefeated with 26-0 Win Over Richmond

Saturday, September 6, 2025 - The Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football team continued their dominant start to the season, shutting out Richmond 26-0 at home to remain undefeated.

The Panthers started slow, coming up empty on their opening drive. But momentum quickly shifted when Gabriella Clement broke free for a touchdown run out of the pocket. Elia Kudemus added the conversion, giving Saint Mary’s an early 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Panthers’ offense found its rhythm. Clement added her second score of the game, and Kudemus followed with a touchdown of her own. Although Saint Mary’s was unable to convert on either attempt, they took a commanding 19-0 lead into halftime.

The Panthers extended their advantage in the third quarter, with Kudemus crossing the goal line again and Clement connecting on the conversion to make it 26-0. With the game in control, the fourth quarter gave younger Panthers a chance to gain valuable playing time and experience.

Saint Mary’s has yet to allow a single point in league play, showcasing both their offensive balance and defensive strength. The Panthers will look to keep their perfect record alive when they travel to Crockett to face John Swett on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Panthers Make It Three Straight Wins

August 28, 2025 — Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football continued their dominant start to the season, earning their third consecutive victory in a night matchup at Piedmont High School.

From the first whistle, the Panthers set the tone. The defense came out strong and kept Piedmont off the scoreboard for the entire first half. On the offensive side, Alexa Glover and Eli Kudemus each found the end zone, putting Saint Mary’s up 12–0 by halftime.

The second half opened with Saint Mary’s moving the ball well, but after one first down, the drive stalled and the Panthers were forced to punt. The defense quickly responded, holding Piedmont to a three-and-out.

With momentum back on their side, the Panthers capitalized. Senior Eli Kudemus broke through again with a strong run for her second touchdown of the night — bringing her season total to 7 touchdowns.

While the offense has been efficient, it’s the defense that’s making a statement. Over the first three games, the Panthers have given up just 12 points total, showcasing discipline, speed, and teamwork on every snap.

Saint Mary’s now looks ahead to their next challenge as they travel to Corbus Field to face Vallejo High School.

Panthers Secure Road Victory Over El Cerrito in Flag Football Matchup

August 27, 2025 — The Saint Mary’s Panthers Flag Football team earned their second win of the season with a hard-fought 13–6 victory over El Cerrito, played at a neutral site at Pinole Valley High School.

The Panthers opened the game with strong momentum, scoring on their first possession with a sweep toss to Eli Kudemus, who found the end zone to put Saint Mary’s on the board early.

Despite taking control of the early game flow, the Panthers allowed a moment of lapse defensively. Three missed flag attempts gave El Cerrito a chance to break away for a 50-yard touchdown. However, the Gauchos failed to convert their extra point attempt, allowing the Panthers to hold onto a narrow 7–6 lead going into halftime.

In the third quarter, El Cerrito mounted another offensive push, driving down the field and threatening to take the lead. But on a crucial third-down play, Saint Mary’s defender Lirieh Gutierrez-Trujillo intercepted a desperation throw by the El Cerrito quarterback, halting the drive and shifting the momentum back in favor of the Panthers.

Capitalizing on the turnover, the Panthers again turned to Eli Kudemus, who scored his second touchdown of the game. Though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, the Panthers extended their lead to 13–6.

From that point on, the Saint Mary’s defense rose to the challenge. El Cerrito’s pressure forced a few three-and-outs, but the Panthers’ defense held firm throughout the remainder of the game. With under two minutes remaining, Kudemus sealed the win with a timely interception on another third-down attempt by El Cerrito.

Saint Mary’s then ran out the clock, taking a knee to secure the victory and improve their season record.

Final Score: Saint Mary’s 13, El Cerrito 6

Record: 2–0

The Panthers are back in action tomorrow night as they travel to face Piedmont High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

Come out and support your Panthers!

Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football Opens Season with Win Over De Anza

August 25, 2025 — The Saint Mary’s Girls Flag Football team opened its 2025 campaign at home on Brady Field with a strong showing against De Anza High School. The Panthers, defending TCAL champions, enter the season with a fresh look — a new roster, new head coach, and a new format of play that features four 12-minute quarters, replacing last year’s two 20-minute halves.

Despite a slow start adjusting to the updated structure, Saint Mary’s found their momentum in the second quarter. Senior Eli Kudenmus led the Panthers offensively, scoring three touchdowns, including the team’s first of the season on a well-executed sweep play. Her performance set the tone for the remainder of the game.

With a comfortable lead late in the fourth quarter, Head Coach Anderson gave the starting lineup a rest and provided valuable game experience to a talented group of freshmen making their high school debuts.

De Anza’s only score came late in the game on a pick-six interception return, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the Panthers' control.

Saint Mary’s will look to build on this strong start as they travel to Piedmont High School for their next matchup on Wednesday, August 27.

Final Score: Saint Mary’s – 35 | De Anza – 7