On Friday, November 6, Fillmore Flashes defeated Irvine in the first round of playoffs, advancing the Flashes to the next round where they will host Segerstrom. Above and below are from Friday night’s game. This week’s game will be held Friday, November 13 at 7p.m. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.

By FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.
FILLMORE — It wasn’t always pretty, but it was unforgettable. The Fillmore Flashes rallied past Irvine 20-19 in a thrilling first-round CIF Southern Section playoff game last Friday night, earning a trip to the quarterfinals for the second time in the last five years.
The Flashes struggled early, but this team has made a habit of meeting adversity with resilience. Senior running back Ivan Ambriz pulled Fillmore even in the second quarter, powering in from two yards out to tie the game 7-7.
Irvine held a 13-7 lead early in the fourth quarter, and once again the Flashes’ special teams unit, a difference-maker all season, changed the game. Junior Gabriel Magana fielded a punt and raced 53 yards to the end zone, swinging the momentum and bringing the home crowd to its feet.
Irvine went back in front, but the Flashes had one more answer. With just over two minutes remaining and facing a seemingly impossible fourth-and-19, Fillmore turned to Ambriz once more, and the senior delivered, moving the chains to keep the drive alive. Moments later, senior Micah Harm punched it in for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.
Leading 20-19 with two minutes left, the Flashes put the game in the hands of their defense, and the unit that has been stout all season came through again. Irvine, out of timeouts, tried to march the length of the field, but Fillmore came up with an interception, from senior Saul Fraga-Sandoval, as time expired to seal the win and close the door on Irvine’s season.
Next Up: Segerstrom, Friday at Home
The Flashes host Segerstrom of Santa Ana this Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Last week’s crowd was electric, and the Flashes need that same energy to keep home-field advantage on their side.
Every Flashes fan, family member, alum and student is encouraged to come out, cheer loud and help push Fillmore into the semifinals of the CIF Southern Section championship playoffs. Go Flashes!