Sutter senior Audrey Horn (16) leaps through the air on Sept. 8 in the Huskies’ win over El Camino. Photo by Steven Bryla

SUTTER, CA (YSBC) - The Sutter Huskies flag football team opened Golden Empire League play with a 20-0 win over the El Camino Eagles on Sept. 8.

Sutter’s victory on Tuesday moved them to a 7-1 record on the year as their lone loss came against Roseville on Aug. 31.

The Huskies and El Camino’s offenses struggled in the first half as both defenses played proficiently.

Each defense had three interceptions each. Sutter head coach Brandon Jackson expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that the Huskies’ defense is the backbone of the team.

Sutter senior Audrey Horn (16) zooms past a defender rushing the ball against El Camino on Sept. 8 in the Huskies’ victory. Photo by Steven Bryla

“They (defense) have gotten stops and made big plays when we needed them,” Jackson said.

For the offense, he wants to be able to put points on the board and feels if they can average a couple touchdowns per game, he feels confident within the defense to make stops.

“We have so many talented athletes on our roster,” Jackson said. He added that his entire roster of 18 players is capable of making impactful plays on the defensive end.

Sutter picked off five passes in the win on Tuesday as senior Audrey Horn and freshman Madyn Gretsch had two interceptions each and senior Mia Bryan had one.

In the second half, the Huskies offense was able to move the ball at will as Horn zoomed past the defense with her lighting speed on the ground.

Sutter junior quarterback Shae Crosby linked up with Gretsch three times in the end zone (16, 6 and 20-yard passing touchdowns) for the only scores of the game.

Sutter freshman Madyn Gretsch (8) catches her first of three touchdown receptions on Sept. 8 against El Camino. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gretsch has outstanding vertical capabilities where Crosby can leave the pass high and go up and grab it in the sky.

Gretsch told YSBC she is having a blast with her teammates in the early part of the season.

As a freshman, Gretsch said her mentor on the team that helped show her the ropes is senior Mia Bautista.

She added that her and her teammates are a competitive and talented group and they believe they can accomplish a lot this season.

Jackson said that the Huskies have a lot of athleticism across the roster and you can tell they love to be out there to have the opportunity to win each play.

He added he expects his senior leaders to be a positive role model within the program.

“We need them to be vocal leaders and play makers on the field,” Jackson said.

Sutter hosted Natomas tonight as the result of the game was not completed by the publishing time.

The Huskies will continue GEL play on Monday, Sept. 21 as they travel to Orangevale and take on Casa Roble, which is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.

Sutter junior quarterback Shae Crosby (55) tosses a pass in the Huskies’ win over El Camino on Sept. 8. Photo by Steven Bryla