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

Stay up to date with Panthers Athletics on @smpantherathletics

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!

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.

 

 

Girls’ Flag Football Extends Winning Streak to Four with Shutout Victory Over Vallejo

Wednesday, September 2, 2025 - The Saint Mary’s Girls’ Flag Football team continued its dominant start to the season, earning its fourth straight win with a 34–0 shutout of Vallejo High School in TCAL play.

The Panthers came out strong in the first quarter, led by freshman Madeline Frankenberg, who scored two touchdowns early to put Saint Mary’s in control. Senior Eli Kudemus added another touchdown before halftime, giving the Panthers a commanding 21–0 lead at the break.

Kudemus kept the momentum going in the second half, adding two more touchdowns in the third quarter to secure the win. The Panthers missed just one conversion on the day, finishing with an impressive 34–0 victory.

The defense was equally dominant, shutting down Vallejo’s offense and forcing two interceptions. Beatrice Branagh and Gabriella Clement each recorded a takeaway to cap off the complete team effort.

With the win, the Panthers remain undefeated and will look to keep their streak alive when they return home to face Richmond on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

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.