Kyle Connell is a student journalist at Arizona State University assigned to cover Millennium High School for AZPreps365.com

Millennium handled business with a 32-7 road win over Verrado on Thursday. 

The Tigers improved to 10-2 and the Vipers fell to 6-5 in the last game of the regular season.

After forcing a punt on the Vipers’ first possession, Millennium took an early lead courtesy of a 15-yard touchdown reception from junior wide receiver Andrea Carmona. 

Verrado quarterback Kalia Santos answered back with a scramble into the end zone on the subsequent drive. That was the Vipers' final scoring play as the Tigers' defense began to pounce.

“After we talked to them a little bit and just told them to lock in, we played well,” said Millennium head coach Jermaine Austin about the defense. 

With seconds left in the first half, Millennium wide receiver Jennah Grice caught a pass from QB Breana Saunders to extend the halftime score to 26-7.

As the sun started to set and the temperatures dropped after halftime, both defenses started to fly around the field. Verrado linebacker Simone Pfitzer was everywhere on defense to help stall multiple Millennium drives.

Tigers cornerback Ariel Lopez sealed the game with an interception late in the fourth quarter.

Senior center Taiya Alegria acknowledged the team’s focus now shifts to the playoffs, where the Tigers are expected to be one of the top seeds.

Millennium’s stellar season means they will likely be hosting a first-round playoff game next Tuesday. The state tournament seedings will be announced during the live bracket show this Saturday at 8 a.m.

“It would be amazing,” said Alegria about winning the inaugural 5A state tournament in her final year. “I’ve never been this far."

The trend of close, entertaining games in this inaugural flag football season under the AIA is set to continue through the playoffs, as many teams feel they have a shot at winning it all. 

“Please come out and support,” said Austin about their upcoming playoff game. “If you want to see a great game, you want to come to the Millennium Tigers’ game.”