SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Troubadour sophomore Abbey Pavelchik scored on a defensive two-point conversion then freshman Ava Votaw hauled in a touchdown pass from Jocelyn Villaflor on the next series, but West Park came up with a game-winning TD reception of its own to snare a 12-8 victory over St. Francis in junior varsity girls' flag football action Wednesday afternoon.
The contest had the odd distinction of serving as the Troubie jayvees' home opener and season finale. St. Francis had only played JV-varsity doubleheaders on the road, but West Park's JV squad sought to fill out its schedule. As a result, the Troubie JV team added an unexpected home game to the end of its slate.
Pavelchik's score came on the first series of the game. After the Panthers marched down the field for a quick touchdown, they went for a one-point conversion. A penalty marched them back five yards, making an even longer one-point try. Pavelchik snared the pass in the end zone, then ran more than 80 yards up the left sideline, bringing the score to 6-2. The play became SF's first defensive two-point conversion for either JV or varsity.
Then on the Troubies' first possession, Villafor fired a long pass to Madison Trafican at roughly the West Park 12-yard line, good for a first-and-goal opportunity at the 5:29 mark. Villaflor then hit Votaw in the end zone for the touchdown, giving SF an 8-6 lead.
St. Francis' defense stepped up in defense of that lead. Rebecca Mochel, who led the Troubies with 11 deflaggings, led a three-and-out on the next WP series after Votaw's score. Then after the Panthers advanced into the red zone in the final minute before halftime, Charlotte Blair grabbed an interception in the end zone.
The Troubies advanced on the Panther end zone with those final 20 seconds, thanks to a quarterback keeper by Gianna Barnes followed by a Haydyn Haecker grab in traffic with :04 left. Barnes connected on Votaw for another reception, but the clock ran out before SF could extend its lead.
St. Francis failed to score on any of its five possessions after halftime. Two drives ended in punts, one on downs, and two on interceptions. Furthermore, the Panther who enjoyed the first pick later beat two Troubie defenders, then ran untouched for more than 40 yards for the winning score. Meanwhile, Mochel smothered the West Park running game in the second half while Olivia Alvernaz grabbed an interception deep in Panther territory in the second half.
The Troubie junior varsity finishes its inaugural season with 3-7 overall record. Meanwhile, the St. Francis varsity closes out the regular season with two home games during its Homecoming week: Folsom on Tuesday followed by Davis on Wednesday. Both games start at 4:30 p.m.
