Kinlagh Boudreau is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover North High School for AZPreps365.com

 

PHOENIX – Students and families cheered in the North High School stands as sophomore quarterback Jizzelle Escoffery ran eight yards to give the Mustangs its first-ever touchdown in flag football at home against the Camelback Spartans. The Mustangs struck first, 7 minutes and 45 seconds into the first quarter, and never lost their lead.

“Jizzelle’s great,” Mustangs Head Coach Michael Butler said. “I’m proud of her. She’s one of the main leaders on our team.”

Escoffery ran for three touchdowns and threw three, including a 50-yard pass to Xxylina Flores, to guide her team to a 40-6 win over the Spartans.

Flores’ performance also included an interception on Camelback’s first drive of the game, leading to the Mustangs’ maiden flag football touchdown at home.

North was buzzing after the first home win in school history on its own field.

The Mustangs’ offense boasted three consecutive drives, resulting in touchdowns in the first half and a total of six out of nine drives finishing in the endzone. 

North's defense held the Spartans to a single touchdown on seven drives and two interceptions in the first half.

“They’re doing so good,” parent Jim Smith said. “I wasn’t expecting them to be blowing out.”

Smith’s daughter Anaiah Smith Cohen is one of the players new to flag football, giving her parents quite a shock when she decided to try out for the team, he said.

A 2-0 start seemed to be a surprise for this Mustangs squad with many players new to the sport and still learning the basics of the game.

“A lot of the ladies, this is the first time they’ve ever played football,” Butler said. “They’re learning what does a blitz mean and what’s the line of scrimmage.”

Another new player, Marta Lima, a junior wide receiver and cornerback, said she wanted to try something new and was excited about playing in front of her classmates for the first time. 

“It feels great,” Lima said. “Since it’s our first game, they get to experience it with us.”

With cheers from the crowd from start to finish, Lima and her teammates skipped back to the locker room after the game, happy about their win and excited for the season to come.

With the win over the Spartans following a 26-7 win on the road at Alhambra High School the night before, September 18, the Mustangs early-season performance seems to be impressing fans and coaches. 

“With this being the first year and all, I’m impressed with their skills,” Smith said.

The Mustangs made major improvements since the win over Alhambra the night prior, especially with discipline on the field. According to Smith, the number of false start penalties against the Spartans was much smaller than Wednesday at Alhambra. 

Butler said he is very proud of the winning team he has put together and has high hopes for his players with the rest of the season ahead. 

“It’s not just about winning one or two games,” Butler said, “We want a championship.”