Scottsdale Christian completes their perfect season with first-ever 3A flag football title

Scottsdale Christian Academy completed an undefeated season to claim the inaugural 3A state championship trophy. 

The 3A championship was a battle of undefeated 1 and 2 seeds as the SCA Eagles faced Heritage Academy Laveen Heroes. 

SCA earned the right to call themselves champions after defeating Heritage 10-7. 

The Eagles got on the board and took the lead quickly after a nice drive in the first quarter. 

The drive consisted sophomore quarterback Campbell Reader connecting with sophomore athlete Jolee Baddeley multiple times to get down the field. 

SCA had to settle for a field goal, however. The field goal was made by junior kicker Nola Bynum from 25 yards out. 

Towards the end of the first quarter, the Eagles added to their lead thanks to their defense. 

Making one of the best plays of the game, Baddeley snagged an interception and returned it for six points to give SCA a 10-point lead. 

Playing one of the best games of her career, Baddeley mentioned that every player on the team will do whatever it takes to get a win.

“We are go-getters and we will do anything for our team,” Baddeley. “When we're down, we pick each other up. It’s one of the biggest things you need in flag football. 

Heritage was able to gain some momentum on offense as junior quarterback Savana Soltero connected with her twin sister Siena Soltero for a 57-yard gain. 

They couldn’t get any points out of it, however, as they turned the ball over on downs. 

For the majority of the second quarter, both teams couldn’t find a rhythm. That was until Heritage was able to finally get points on the board right before halftime. 

It was their quarterback, Soltero connected with junior wide receiver Gloriann Blanco for an 8-yard touchdown. 

The third quarter was similar for both sides as the second quarter as neither offense was able to string enough plays together to keep a drive alive.

The head coach for SCA, Ryan Fisher, knew it was going to be a tough game from the start.

“I knew it was going to be a dog fight, they’re a really good team,” Fisher said. “Make the plays we had to make and play good defense.” 

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Eagles' defense came through again, though. 

They caused another turnover as senior linebacker Hannah Lopez snagged an interception. 

Once again, though, Heritage was able to get a stop and give their offense another chance to get points on the board. 

Not letting Heritage do anything, though, SCA’s defense was once again able to get yet another turnover. 

Getting her second interception of the game, Baddeley made another game-changing play. 

SCA was able to move the chains on offense and keep taking time off the clock. 

Making key plays with her arm and legs, Reader got her team enough first downs to ultimately seal the game for SCA. 

Reader who put together a remarkable 2025 season said it was just like playing backyard football.

“My coach said before the game that it is just backyard football,” Reader said. “I was just trying to encourage my team to know it is just flag football, and to do what we always do.” 

SCA went 16-0 and will always be remembered as the first 3A champions. The team dominated most of the year, but when they had their backs against the wall, they never folded. 

“Our players are built differently,” Fisher said. “They can weather any storm, and that’s what happened today.”