The Fitchburg High School Red Raiders' girls flag football team secured the Division 2 state championship, edging top‑seeded Peabody 15‑14 in a dramatic final that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Underdog Journey
Seeded sixth entering the tournament, the Raiders defied expectations, rallying from a 10‑7 regular‑season record to navigate a challenging bracket that included victories over Taconic and New Heights Phoenix before confronting a series of knockout matches.
In the semifinals, the team survived a triple‑overtime battle, defeating Archbishop Williams 9‑8 after a series of clutch drives that saw senior Bia Pena connect with Maiya Tellier for a regulation touchdown and later find Nileysha Figueroa in the first overtime frame.
The championship game itself stretched to a third overtime, where freshman Maeve Palmer scored the winning touchdown after Pena threaded passes to Palmer and Gabbi Siomos, the latter sealing the victory with a decisive defensive play.
Pena’s outstanding performances earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, capping a season that highlighted the growing competitiveness of high school flag football in Massachusetts.
The triumph resonated beyond Fitchburg, as neighboring schools such as Leominster High, the inaugural champions, fell in the Division 1 final, while St. Mary’s continued its dynasty in Division 1 and Cathedral High captured the Division 3 crown, underscoring a vibrant statewide landscape with nearly 25 schools participating this spring.
The achievement also reflects the broader support network, with the Raiders’ program benefiting from partnerships and facilities at institutions like Merrimack College and regional collaborators such as Ayer‑Shirley Regional High School, illustrating how community ties can amplify athletic success.