Flag football continues to grow with recent NCS playoff trip

Clayton Valley’s flag football team has enjoyed many achievements throughout its first three years. But the most important accomplishment so far is the growth of the program. The coaches and athletes put in a lot of hard work since day one. 

That growth paid off this year in the Ugly Eagles’ third straight North Coast Section playoff appearance, where they advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating James Logan in the first round.

Quarterback Giana Marcantonio, a junior, has been on varsity since the program began in 2023.She knows all about the growth of the game.

“It’s gotten much more serious, and we now have people coming out to play that have been playing flag (for a while) and people who haven’t before” Marcantonio. 

The coaches also play a huge part. Marcantonio has had a long relationship with all of Clayton Valley’s coaches.

“The coaches have been able to grow and to adjust with the different skills that the team has year to year, and they figure out how to use those skills to help with our success,” Marcantonio.

Players and coaches have so much passion for this sport. And that’s what has keyed the program’s success at Clayton Valley.

Clayton Valleyś flag football team keeps attracting more players in its third year as a program. (Photo by Addison Chung)

Wendy Bumbaca has been a flag football coach at Clayton Valley for all three years. She knows all about the growth and talent throughout the program.

“This year we had quite a bit of talent put on JV, because there was just not enough spots up there (on varsity).”

Everybody wants something different for the team, whether it’s winning or new jerseys. Bumbaca wants something more than just winning.

“I’d like us to win state,” Bumbaca said. “And (to provide) three teams: freshman, JV, and varsity.”

The team's offense is good but their defense is even better. All the work got Clayton Valley's flag football team ranked first for defense in the Diablo Athletic League. 

One of those defensive players is senior outside linebacker Rylie Barton, who had never played flag football before this season. She loves everything about the game and her teammates.

“I love the connections that I have with everyone, and the friendships I made that continued outside of flag,” Barton said. “It’s my first year playing flag. It's definitely new to me but it’s very fun and if you want to try it, do it.”

Clayton Valley’s flag football team has accomplished so much since the first year. And it’s only just the start for the program.