The Tualatin High School girls flag football team captured the state championship on Saturday, edging South Salem 32-26 in a nail‑biting overtime showdown.
Overtime Heroics
Ries Miadich delivered a pivotal interception and later threaded the winning pass to teammate Sydney Murdick, sealing the victory for the Timberwolves.
Entering the tournament as the No. 5 seed, Tualatin knocked off several higher‑ranked opponents, a run that culminated in a dramatic final against South Salem.
Head coach Bubba Lemon praised the squad’s mental and physical growth, noting how the team transformed from learning basic concepts to executing sophisticated strategies within a single season.
Sophomore standout Sydney Murdick, already regarded as one of the state’s top talents, is expected to continue her career at Roberts Wesleyan University, where she will join the university’s flag football program.
Ries Miadich, celebrated by Lemon as the state’s premier player and a natural leader, has drawn attention for his dual‑threat abilities on both defense and offense.
The championship also highlighted the rapid expansion of girls flag football in Oregon, where 58 schools now field teams and the sport’s low cost and growing popularity have prompted officials to consider official sanctioning.
Liberty head coach Rebecca Brisson echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the momentum could soon translate into full recognition by the state athletic association.
Looking ahead, Tualatin may travel to Washington to face elite squads from the neighboring state, a prospect that excites both players and coaching staff.
The victory not only celebrates a remarkable season but also signals a broader shift toward greater investment and visibility for women’s flag football across the region.