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The Orange Lutheran flag football team, including quarterback Makena Cook (0) celebrate winning their CIF-SS Division 1 semifinal against Canyon in Orange on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

ORANGE — An overflow crowd filled the stands and lined the fence in the rain Saturday night to watch one of the hottest girls flag football teams in Orange County duel a national power with its star quarterback.

Upstart Canyon and highly-ranked Orange Lutheran made sure their faithful were entertained in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals at Orange Lutheran High.

Makena Cook and her active defense embraced the spotlight.

Orange Lutheran’s Capri Cuneo, left, jumps in front of Canyon’s Katy Cott to pick off a pass late in the second half of the CIF-SS Division 1 girls flag football semifinals in Orange on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

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The sophomore overcame two interceptions to toss three touchdowns and the Lancers intercepted three passes to collect a 19-6 victory and reach the finals in the inaugural section playoffs.

“It’s so much fun having so many people out here and then the rain made it so much more fun,” said Cook, whose team will play Newport Harbor in the championship on Saturday, Nov. 9, at El Modena High. “That was definitely the biggest crowd that we’ve had and I love it. I hope the championship has even more.”

“It means so much,” Cook added. “A couple years ago, there was literally nothing. Now, there’s so many people here. It’s so amazing.”

Top-seeded Orange Lutheran (22-2), ranked No. 2 in the nation to Newport Harbor by MaxPreps, never trailed against Canyon (18-3), which entered with a 14-game winning streak.

After Cook tossed touchdowns of 2 and 7 yards to sophomore wide out Josie Anderson for a 12-0 lead, Canyon struck just before halftime to tighten the score.

QB Ella Feldhaus tossed a 4-yard TD to Caroline Hicks as time expired in the first half.

Canyon grabbed more momentum early in the second half with an interception and 20-yard return Julia Fitzgerald.

But Orange Lutheran freshman safety Claire Brakefield intercepted a pass on the ensuing possession, setting the stage for Cook to seize control.

Cook capped the ensuing drive with a 6-yard TD pass to Brooklyn Vanderkallen. Freshman Capri Cuneo caught the extra point to push the lead 19-6.

Cuneo later helped seal the victory with an interception in the end zone with about four minutes left.

“We tried not to panic when things weren’t really going our way and just stay consistent,” Orange Lutheran coach Kristen Sherman said. “(Cook) faced some adversity but to see the difference between her last year and this year, (I saw her) maintain her confidence, maintain her composure and trust her teammates and trust her coaching staff.”

Cook showcased her strong arm by completing several long passes down field to Cuneo. Vanderkallen and Julia Oberholtzer. Cook also worked in several short passes to center Ruby Fuamatu.

Freshman Anna Paquette helped lead Orange Lutheran’s defense with a sack and interception.

Hicks and Nickolette Morrell combined for 18 catches for Canyon.

“We had some breakdowns on defense allowing some of those larger completions,” Canyon coach Rebekah Anderson said. “And the larger completions we usually are able to pull off, we weren’t quite able to pull those in.”

“You got to overcome the adversity,” the coach added, “but we are very proud to have had those opportunities.”

In the other Division 1 semifinal, Newport Harbor defeated Huntington Beach 12-7. After a scoreless first half, Maia Helmar ran for a TD and tossed a score to Audrey Burns to help the Sailors (25-2) defeat their Sunset League rival for the fourth time.

Newport Harbor has won 24 consecutive games since a loss to Orange Lutheran in August.

Taylor Savage had three interceptions for the Oilers (21-8).

Orange Lutheran girls flag football cools off Canyon to reach CIF-SS Division 1 final

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