A Historic First for San Bernardino County
The Loma Linda Academy girls flag football team etched its name into regional history on November 7, 2026, securing the CIF Southern Section Division 5 championship with a decisive 33-6 victory over Peninsula. The win, which took place at a venue in Huntington Beach, carries weight beyond the final scoreline, marking the first section title ever claimed by a San Bernardino County girls flag football program.
This achievement also extends the legacy of the greater Inland Empire area, becoming only the third sectional crown for any girls flag football team from the region. For Loma Linda Academy, the championship adds to a growing list of athletic successes, representing the school’s third section title in its history. The program previously celebrated victories with the 2017 girls volleyball team and the 2023 boys golf team.
Defensive Dominance and Strategic Starts
The game’s tone was set immediately by a defensive strategy that caught Peninsula off guard. Coach Elijah Ewing explained that the decision to start aggressively on defense was rooted in preparation; his staff had studied film extensively and predicted exactly how Peninsula would open the game.
The prediction proved accurate, and the execution was spectacular. Tiffany Park returned an interception 17 yards on the very first play of the contest. Park later described her approach to that pivotal moment, noting that she purposely moved toward the middle of the field to trick the quarterback before sprinting to make the tackle.
That opening play signaled a defensive performance that would stifle Peninsula’s offense throughout the day. The Loma Linda Academy defense recorded four interceptions in total. Roya Alexander contributed two of those picks, while Kaelie Cherise Ignacio added one more, effectively shutting down any early momentum the opposing team might have hoped to build.
Offensive Versatility from Tiffany Park
While the defense held Peninsula at bay, Tiffany Park orchestrated the offensive attack with a dual-threat performance that was both efficient and explosive. Park completed 13 of her 18 passes for 106 yards and added 58 rushing yards on the ground.
Her impact on the scoreboard was immediate and sustained. Park scored four touchdowns during the game, showcasing her versatility by converting one score via a pass reception and three others through rushing attempts. Her ability to move the ball both through the air and on the ground kept the Peninsula defense guessing and allowed Loma Linda Academy to maintain control of the game’s tempo.
Peninsula’s Challenges and Late Response
Peninsula faced significant hurdles in their attempt to compete, most notably the absence of standout player Makena German. German, who is also a baseball player, was participating in the MLB Breakthrough Series in Florida, leaving a void in the lineup that Rei Sproat filled in her place.
Despite the defensive pressure and the loss of key personnel, Peninsula managed to put points on the board late in the game. In the fourth quarter, Diana Glassmaker threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Samiya Portugal. This play prevented a shutout and provided a brief moment of offensive success for the visiting team, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit established by Loma Linda Academy’s early dominance.
A Legacy Built on Preparation
The 33-6 final score reflects a game where preparation met opportunity. From Coach Ewing’s film study that led to the opening interception, to Park’s strategic movement and subsequent scoring, every phase of Loma Linda Academy’s performance was executed with precision.
For the players and coaches involved, this championship is more than just a win; it is a milestone for San Bernardino County. By becoming the first program in the county to claim a girls flag football section title, Loma Linda Academy has set a new standard for future teams in the region, proving that with adequate study and versatile talent, historic achievements are within reach.