Trojans blank Bruins, 13-0

Oak Ridge opened up its flag football season Wednesday night with a solid 13-0 win over traditional rival Ponderosa. The Bruins have been a flag football power since the sport began three years ago, but the Trojans played a stellar defensive game and pitched a shutout. Rylee Tibon intercepted two passes and Milana Stuart sacked the Ponderosa quarterback on fourth down deep in Oak Ridge territory with less than a minute to play to ensure the shutout. Stuart also led the team with 10 tackles. "I loved the shutout; we always love the shutout," first-year Oak Ridge coach Megan Vidmar said. "Riley played amazing with two picks, plus she just locked down on their receivers. She's such a competitor. They couldn't throw on her." Oak Ridge didn't have a huge offensive day, but scored two touchdowns in the second quarter and that's all they needed. Both touchdowns were passes from Maya Scipio to Taylor Lemos, who caught four passes for 75 yards and she also caught the one point-after-attempt. "It was a really nice team win," Vidmar said. "I thought so many girls did great things. I love the play of Maya and that hook up with Taylor Lemos was such a great throw and catch. Everybody played their part and it was great." Scipio completed 12-of-21 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. The Trojans are looking for another strong season. "We're really excited," Vidmar said. "We've got a lot of young talent, as well as talent that's been on this team for three years." One talented player is Laurel Smart, the returning league MVP, as well as first-team all-Metro and a MaxPreps All-Sac-Joaquin Section selection. "Laurel has just gotten better this offseason," Vidmar said. "She's the only high school girl I've seen that can catch the ball separated from her body, and she's really upping her game on defense. I see a big season in her future." Scipio, a returning first-team all-league player, also returns. Freshman quarterback Madison Goldman is also in the mix and will see time. The Trojans expect big things this season. "I think we have a shot at a deep playoff run just because of the girls we have and the experience we have, but we also know we play in the toughest league so nothing's going to come easy," Vidmar said. "It will be fun and I'm excited to be taking on the role as head coach." Other standout players that Vidmar mentioned include Ilyana Lampe, Addison Hemans and Lemos. "All the girls have a lot of potential," Vidmar said. Oak Ridge's next game is Tuesday at Vacaville.