The Hamilton High School varsity girls flag football team in Chandler won the 6A Arizona Interscholastic Association Flag Football State Championship game for the second year in a row on Nov. 24, in a close 7-0 decision vs. Red Mountain High School.

Hamilton absolutely dominated the league all season, going 21-0. With games like their 68-0 win vs. West Point High School and their 56-0 blanking of Chandler High School in October, Hamilton seemed destined to finish up the job at the championships.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Amaya Anton is a kicker and punter for the squad. She also plays strong safety on the defensive side.

Anton said she was initially nervous to play in the championship game, especially as a freshman being brought up to the team, but she knew that no matter what, her teammates would have her back and be supportive and proud of her for trying.

On the bus to the game, her hyped-up teammates were excited, loud and proud. Then came time to step on the field.

Hamilton got out to an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Both teams played strong defense, and Red Mountain handed Hamilton their toughest matchup of the year.

“The championship game was so unreal. Like it was on a whole other level,” said Anton.

The bus ride back, she said, was “surreal.”

“Everyone was so happy and excited! Everyone was just so proud of everyone,” said Anton.

“We were all chanting [the seniors’] names because we felt so happy that they were able to experience that two-time championship.”

Anton’s experience in flag football is recent. Having played club soccer for years, she gained interest in flag football through one of her best friends.

“We became really close this year, and I was looking for a new sport to get involved in and ease my way back into school,” said Anton.

“I found ‘flag’ and ended up loving it.”

Anton said that her experience this season was positive. Every one of the girls had been supportive, from the other freshmen to the seniors.

“The coaching staff was amazing. My teammates were amazing and supportive, and we were all new to the sport, but it ended up being a great season for us,” said Anton.

In the future, Anton sees herself continuing to participate in sports, whether it is through flag football, sports psychology or sports medicine—but she really wants to be a professional soccer player.

“I just really love being involved with sports. And I want to continue to be able to play in college and play as long as I possibly can,” said Anton.

The soccer season just started for Anton, who is on the JV A squad as a goalkeeper. The Salt River Children’s Foundation helped pay for her participation this year.

“I know it’s a lot of fees that everyone is helping me pay. And I appreciate it so, so much because it allows me to be able to continue to do what I love and continue to develop,” said Anton.

Anton is the eldest of four siblings; the other three are Emilia, Naomi and Mateo. Her parents are Benjamin and Alesia Anton.