LA JOLLA — Helix quarterback Vida Sanchez threw 58 touchdown passes, ran for 18 more and accounted for nearly 5,000 yards of offense this season.
Against Torrey Pines, the field seemed to shrink around her.
The Falcons (16-8) shut out Helix 13-0 on Saturday at Olympian High School in Chula Vista to capture their second consecutive San Diego Section (Open Division) flag football championship.
Sanchez and receiver Kaiya Merlo had been among the section’s most productive offensive players. Merlo caught 117 passes for 28 touchdowns, helping lead the Highlanders to an 18-1 record and an undefeated Grossmont Hills League season.
Alexa Avila scored both Torrey Pines touchdowns, returning a punt 50 yards for the opening score before catching a screen pass from quarterback Izzie Dieter and taking it 15 yards for another touchdown. Kate Conway and Lola Johnson added interceptions.
Helix challenged the Falcons with a deeper passing attack than they typically faced. Coach Ryland Wickman said the defensive backs adjusted while the rushers worked to contain Sanchez.
“They threw a lot more deep balls than usual,” Wickman said. “They missed a couple. We got kind of lucky; they dropped a couple, and then our corners made some good adjustments.”
Torrey Pines gave up just 25 points across its three playoff games. The Falcons opened with a 19-7 victory over Mira Mesa on Oct. 28 and followed with a 27-18 semifinal win over Avocado League rival Carlsbad on Nov. 3.
Wickman saw the defense become more instinctive as the postseason progressed, with players increasingly comfortable responding to opposing offenses without hesitation.
“They weren’t thinking out there; they were just reacting and playing football and having fun,” Wickman said.
Torrey Pines finished runner-up in each of its first two seasons before winning the Division I championship last year.
The team navigated a difficult season. Wickman said injuries were more prevalent than usual, and he considered the schedule one of the toughest in the area. A trip to Sacramento gave the players time to connect away from competition.
Despite the setbacks, the Falcons remained in contention and delivered when the postseason arrived.
“They stuck through it, stuck to it, and when it came down to the end, they were ready to roll,” Wickman said.
Wickman said the players recognize what they’ve built and want to keep it going.
“These girls have created something special here,” Wickman said. “They kind of understand that, and so they want to continue to keep this going.”
