Ottawa (Kan.) secured its fifth consecutive Women’s Flag Football Championship, defeating Keiser (Fla.) 34-20 in Thursday’s Bracket Final. The Braves never trailed in the game, making the victory one of the least dramatic of their tournament run.
Madysen Carrera was the standout player, scoring four touchdowns in the title game. She threw for three touchdowns and added one on the ground, completing 33 of 40 passes for 218 yards. Keiser’s Haylie Young also impressed, completing 33 passes out of 48 attempts, throwing for three touchdowns.
The game began with both teams matching 10-play, 66-yard drives. Ottawa led 7-6 after the first quarter thanks to a successful extra point. In the second quarter, Carrera scored her second touchdown to extend the Braves’ lead to 13-6. Keiser responded when Young connected with Chloe Griffin for an eight-yard touchdown, narrowing Ottawa’s lead to 13-12 at halftime.
The Braves took control in the third quarter, adding two more touchdowns. Carrera sealed the win in the fourth quarter, throwing a four-yard touchdown pass to Addison Orsborn, making it a two-score game.
Ottawa’s path to the final wasn’t without challenges. In the bracket’s opening game, the Braves faced a tough test from KCAC rival Kansas Wesleyan, who led 7-0 in the first quarter. Ottawa responded with a 13-7 lead at halftime, but Kansas Wesleyan tied the game in the fourth quarter. In overtime, Ottawa converted a six-yard touchdown pass from Carrera to win 26-25 and advance to the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Ottawa fell behind 7-0 to Thomas (Ga.) but scored late to force overtime. The Braves eventually prevailed 19-13, with Carrera hitting Alyssa Linkous for the game-winning touchdown.
Keiser made its way to the championship by defeating St. Thomas (Fla.) 20-19 in the quarterfinals and Baker (Kan.) 34-13 in the semifinals.
In the playoff bracket, Milligan (Tenn.) claimed the final, defeating William Woods (Mo.) 28-12.
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