St. Joseph’s girls flag football team captured its second straight state championship on June 8, defeating Gibraltar Carlson 28‑12 in a contest that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive grit.
Quarterback Lainie Dorow was the centerpiece of the victory, throwing for 223 yards and three touchdowns while also sealing the win with a 33‑yard interception return for a score.
Coach’s praise
Coach Matt Koch praised Dorow’s leadership and competitive spirit, noting that the team’s success stems from a youth program that has swelled to 102 participants and welcomes players as young as kindergarten.
Juju Atcheson’s 37‑yard touchdown reception gave Carlson a brief spark, but the Bears answered with a series of scoring drives that kept the pressure on.
Meghan Postelli contributed seven catches for 71 yards, and the balanced attack saw Dorow connect with multiple receivers throughout the game.
The Bears’ defense made a pivotal fourth‑down stop in the final minutes, preserving the lead after Carlson’s comeback attempt.
Beyond the field, Dorow hopes her story will inspire the next generation of girls to take up flag football, a sport that has grown from a niche offering to a statewide phenomenon.