Yadhira Hermenegildo leads Panorama past Kennedy in 14-13 win

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Kyle Mucerino

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VAN NUYS — In a game that could go a long way toward deciding the Valley Mission League title in girls flag football, the Panorama Pythons (14-7, 5-0) defeated the Kennedy Golden Cougars (14-2-1, 4-1) 14-13 in a thriller Friday afternoon at Panorama High School.

“Competitive game, league opponent, we’re both having a great season,” Panorama coach Yancy Alvaranga said after the game. “And that’s what we wanted. Competing every play.”

Senior quarterback Yadhira Hermenegildo did it all for the Pythons. She completed 10 of 15 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown to go along with 118 rushing yards on 12 carries and a touchdown on the ground. She opened the scoring on a 13-yard scramble to give the Pythons a 7-0 lead after a successful 1-point conversion.

Two female players competing in a flag football game, with one player attempting to take the ball from the other.

Kennedy answered with the next two touchdowns of the game. The first came on a 30-yard pass from senior quarterback Lily Padilla to senior wide receiver Zoe Tzour to tie the game at 7. Padilla then found senior wide receiver Janine Pineda on a 1-yard touchdown pass, but Kennedy failed to convert the 1-point try, giving the Golden Cougars a 13-7 lead.

Two female athletes celebrating a touchdown in a flag football game, jumping and smiling. They are wearing matching team uniforms with one in pink leggings and the other in black shorts.

The Pythons scored the game-tying touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the 13-yard line on a pass from Hermenegildo to junior wide receiver Aleksa Fuentes. After the extra point was converted on a 3-yard completion from Hermenegildo to junior center Belen Morales, the Pythons took a 14-13 lead with three and a half minutes left in the game. 

Participants celebrating a successful play in a flag football game, with one player holding the ball and a referee signaling in the background.

Morales sealed the victory for the Pythons with an interception on the ensuing Golden Cougars possession with just over a minute remaining. 

A male athlete in a black jersey and sunglasses is kneeling on the grass, reaching out with one hand while holding a football. A female athlete in a light yellow jersey with the number 23 is crouching next to him, focusing on the ball. The scene captures a moment of flag football on a bright, sunny day.

Padilla finished with 164 passing yards on 17-of-30 passing and two touchdowns for the Golden Cougars, while Tzour led Kennedy with six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.

It was tough loss for Kennedy, but that’s the kind of game these two teams play according to coach Kayla Salinas.

Two female flag football players in a game, one throwing a football while the other is positioned to receive it, with spectators in the background.

“I knew Panorama was going to be a battle,” Salinas said after the game. “I knew it was going to be a back-and-forth game. It was the same way last season.”

Kennedy will look to rebound when they face Castaic on Oct. 8 and Sylmar on Oct. 9 while Panorama plays at San Fernando on Oct. 9.

The teams will meet again Monday, Oct. 12, this time at Kennedy High School.  

All Photos by Josh Garcia

Two girls running on a grassy field during a flag football game, with dust being kicked up behind them.
A female player holding a football while running during a flag football game, with spectators in the background.
A female football player in a yellow and brown uniform runs with a football, wearing pink leggings and gloves, while teammates and spectators watch in the background on a sunny day.
A young woman in a black sports uniform prepares to throw a football on a grassy field.
A female athlete in a black uniform throwing a football during a flag football game, while another player in a gold uniform runs away.
A female football player in a black jersey running with a football during a game, with another player in a tan jersey chasing her in the background.
A female athlete in a black sports uniform catching a football during practice, with bleachers in the background.
A moment during a girls' flag football game, showcasing three players in action. One player from the opposing team attempts to evade another while holding the football, with two defenders closely pursuing her.
A female athlete in a brown jersey catches a football while being defended by another player in a black jersey during a flag football game.
A girl wearing a yellow jersey with 'Kennedy' and the number 2 runs with a football while being pursued by another player in a blue jersey with 'Pythons' and the number 4 during a flag football game.
Two female athletes in jerseys engage in a flag football match outdoors, with one player diving for the ball.
A female athlete reaches for a football while playing flag football, with a teammate in the background. The scene is set on a grassy field with trees and buildings in the background.
A female athlete in a black jersey with the number 13 runs with a football on a grassy field, being pursued by three opponents in yellow jerseys during a flag football game.
A young female football player in a yellow jersey and brown shorts is preparing to throw a football on a grassy field.

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