When you launch a sports program at the high school level and find a way to reach a Southern Section championship game in your inaugural season, that’s impressive. St. Monica has pulled off the feat in girls’ flag football.

The Mariners will face Heritage in the Division 6 championship at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Huntington Beach. Here’s the complete schedule for finals.

Coach Miriah Lopez put together a team from scratch and it’s led to a championship appearance.

Quarterbacks Sophia Cook and Lamya Gaston have been able to deliver clutch passes.

St. Monica’s success shows how schools new to a sport can get up and running fast with organization and participation.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.