SANDALWOOD – Led by their quarterback Jada Williams, who ran for two touchdowns and passed for one, the Sandalwood Saints made school history with their 24-0 win over Lee in the District 1-2A girls flag football district championship game. Williams made big plays with her legs scrambling and avoiding the rush. Her legs bought time for receivers to get open and she completed passes to several receivers including a touchdown pass to wide receiver Isabel Correra to seal the victory.
The anticipated rematch was nothing like the March 30 regular season battle, won by the Generals 12-6 in overtime. A month later, the Generals offense couldn’t score as the defense was the catalyst for the Saints first district championship.
The Saints allowed zero points against Lee, providing pressure on every down. The Generals had no answer for Alyssa Long, who made flag pull after flag pull sacking the quarterback for losses. Safety Lauren Alvarez, who had a pick six in Sandalwood’s semifinal win over Oakleaf, made plays in the secondary including an interception while making sure her teammates were in the correct position.
Joli Gutierrez with an amazing catch and run!! Zig zagging for the 56 yard touchdown! Sandalwoood leads Lee 18-0 District Championship game, @FlaHSFootball @JustinBarneyTU pic.twitter.com/KD6nbQ5fBd
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) April 25, 2018
The Generals play makers Tyonna Mack and Shanyia Winn found it hard to make plays in the game as the Saints closed off every potential opening. Mack and Winn have been players who traditionally create scoring opportunities for the Generals (9-3), but could not against the Saints. With the defense dominating, the Saints offense was able to make plays at will.
The most dynamic play of the game came from little Joli Gutierrez, who took a short play and turned it into a 56 yard touchdown run, eluding tacklers with her agility and speed. It was a play that summed up the evening for both teams as the Saints were simply too much for the Generals in the championship game.
Sandalwood Alyssa Long with constant pressure on Lee’s Quarterback! Two Big sacks on the drive! 18-0 4th 7:22 pic.twitter.com/27WEIqiCa5
— Duval Sports ™️ (@DuvalSports) April 25, 2018
With the victory, Sandalwood (9-3) clinched its first ever playoff berth and will host Wekiva (13-0) next Thursday in the first round of the state playoffs.
