The Eagles have the "Philly Special," the Little Giants have the "Annexation of Puerto Rico" and the Silver Creek Raiders have "The Little Mermaid." All three worked to perfection.
San Jose's Silver Creek High School might have made history in their varsity football game on Friday, Oct. 11, against Westmont High School. Silver Creek's Ariel Orona possibly became the first girl in state history to throw a touchdown in a California varsity football game.
Cal-Hi Sports is yet to confirm.
"It was more amazing than I thought it was going to be," Orona said to the Mercury News' Darren Sabedra about the touchdown.
Orona lined up as a slot receiver, took a pitch from running back Elijah Thomas -- who took a direct snap from the center -- and Ariel, a left-hander, tossed a perfect pass to quarterback Ricky Anaya as he scattered to the end zone. The historic trick play capped a 28-6 victory.
"I was confident," Orona said to Sabedra. "I knew what I was doing with it, and I knew the quarterback was going to catch the ball. I just had that feeling. I was very emotional and excited for the whole team."
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Raiders coach Aaron Noriega wasn't surprised by Orona's play. The senior is listed as a quarterback and wide receiver on the team's roster, and plays shooting guard for the girls basketball team.
There were still some nerves from the coach, though.
"I know she played JV and was the backup quarterback for JV. But JV and varsity the speed levels are totally different," Noriega said. "I was a little worried for her at the varsity level, but she really wanted to play. So we OK'd it as long as her parents were OK with it. She brings good energy to the team, and she's tough as nails."
Orona grew up playing flag football and always has had a passion for the sport. She said she took a bunch of pictures after the game and was receiving a ton of congratulations.
Now, she has a new goal for the 4-3 Raiders. Orona wants to catch a touchdown, too.
"That's my next goal," Orona said.
With three games to go in the regular season, that very well could happen.
