The Daily News All-Area girls flag football team for 2024.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Giacomazzi, Agoura, Senior
The Agoura girls flag football team relied a lot this season on receiver/defensive back Jessie Giacomazzi, and it was no coincidence the team went 14-7 overall and won the Marmonte League title.
Although a newcomer to the sport, Giacomazzi was a standout on offense and defense, but her impact went beyond her athletic skills. The senior also was a leader for the team.
During the season, Agoura coach Julian Patton said, “She’s the nicest and most coachable human being I have ever coached and there really isn’t much more you can ask of a player.”
Giacomazzi long ago established herself as a standout in lacrosse and track and field. She has committed to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa. In track, she competes in the 4×100 relay, 100 meters and long jump, all events that take advantage of her excellent athletic skills.
She says she fell in love with flag football this season and was able to have an impact thanks to the help of her coaches, family and teammates.
“I’d like to personally thank my coach, (Patton), for being such an awesome coach,” said Giacomazzi. “He found ways to best relate lacrosse and flag football for me with defensive plays. … (he) gave me all the confidence I ever needed.
“Along with my coach, my teammates are the most important people ever. They understand the pressure and I’ve never been so close to a team before, every single one. Of course my family too. My mom was a bit nervous I’d get injured but her, along with my dad and brother, really helped push me to do this.”
Giacomazzi’s stats on offense and defense placed her among the national leaders for the fall season on MaxPreps.com. On offense, she had 3,284 receiving yards and 55 touchdowns. On defense, Giacomazzi finished with 207 total tackles and 16 interceptions.
She was chosen Marmonte League Most Valuable Player and earned a spot on the All-CIF Southern Section Division 1 team.
“It’s awesome getting this award as a senior,” Giocomazzi said of being chosen by the Daily News as the area’s player of the year. “I have so many people to thank. It’s not just about me, it’s also about my teammates, coaches and family that helped me become the player I am.
“I always tell new girls it’s about having fun when you go out there. Show love and respect for your teammates. There’s definitely going to be hard times, but enjoy the fun times and spread that love to your teammates.”
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Claire Heisinger, Agoura, Sophomore
Along with teammate Jessie Giacomazzi, Claire Heisinger helped lead Agoura to the Marmonte League title and the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.
As the team’s quarterback, she passed for 5,809 yards and 61 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. She earned her All-Marmonte League first-team honors.
She accumulated 6,033 total yards of offense.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Livier Andrade, Panorama, Junior
After a 1-9 inaugural season, Panorama returned this year with a vengeance and finished 16-11 overall and 6-2 in the Valley Mission League. Livier Andrade was at the center of it all for the Pythons.
Andrade racked up 99 total tackles, three sacks and 17 interceptions as she earned All-City Division I honors.
The Pythons made it to the Division I semifinals before losing to the eventual champions, Narbonne.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Rick Hayashida, El Camino Real
Rick Hayashida guided El Camino Real to a 10-5 overall record and the L.A. City Section Division II championship in the team’s inaugural season.
In their playoff run, the Royals outscored their opponents 147-57, including a 26-0 win against Cleveland in the finals. Hayashida earned the City Division II coach of the year honor.
ALL-AREA TEAM
Izzy Greene, Agoura, LB, So.
20 sacks in 21 games
Talya Haim, El Camino Real, QB, So.
All-City Division II Player of the Year
Greta Heath, Newbury Park, QB, Jr.
Marmonte League first team, 3,936 passing yards, 68 touchdowns
Yadhira Hermenegildo, Panorama, QB, So.
All-City Division I, 4,444 passing yards, 47 touchdowns
Alexa Herrera, Panorama, LB, Sr.
101 total tackles, 36 sacks
Camila Maldonado, Panorama, WR, Jr.
811 receiving yards, four touchdowns
Daniella Martinez, San Fernando, QB, Sr.
All-City Division II, 3,523 passing yards, 47 touchdowns
Meadow Moore, Verdugo Hills, RB/LB, Jr.
All-City Open Division
Melania Mora, Birmingham, Sr.
All-City Open Division
Amber Ramirez, Cleveland, Ath., So.
80 total tackles
Julianna Sarabia, Verdugo Hills, RB/S, Sr.
All-City Open Division
Melaina Servé, Westlake, WR/DB, Sr.
Marmonte League first team
Bernyce Villegas, San Fernando, RB/WR, Sr.
All-City Division II, 1,169 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 1,328 receiving yards