Week Recap: Area Teams Take Hits In Flag Football Playoffs

Northeast Florida- Several area teams advanced in the playoffs this year, however none will advance to the Final 4. Three remaining teams fell yesterday in the FHSAA Flag Football Regional Finals. Others fell in the semifinals earlier this week. Though several area teams took a hits, they have prominent players returning next year for another run at state titles.

Clay

After defeating Jones 20-6 in the first round of the playoffs, the Clay Blue Devils hosted Nature Coast Tech downing them 19-6 to advance to the Regional finals this week. Just one win away from advancing to the Final 4 in Tampa, Clay was cut down by Hernando on the road. Hernado’s Carlie Grant threw a touchdown and ran a touchdown in the win. As for Clay, quarterback Teaghan Moses led them in the playoffs tossing several touchdowns leading them to the third round. Moses is a junior and will be returning next year as one of the best quarterbacks in the area. Clay went 14-1 winning the most games in school history.

Fleming Island

The Golden Eagles found themselves on the road in the playoffs. Their first game was a rematch against district champion Fletcher. The Golden Eagles pulled off a major upset, defeating the Senators 26-0. However, in the Regional Semifinals, Fleming Island would fall by 1-point to Chiles 7-6. Sophomore Audrey Ellis went on a tear in the playoffs on defense with 7 sacks in two games.

Ed White

Ed White got an 18-0 victory over Godby at home in the first round of the playoffs. Quarterback Kyra Jackson tossed 2 touchdowns in the contest. She’s a junior who will be returning. The Commanders fell to Paxon in a 13-6 reginal semifinal loss.

Paxon

Another Golden Eagles team had great success in the playoffs. The Paxon Golden Eagles defeated Fort Walton 20-7 in the first round of the playoffs. Sophomore quarterback Elyanna Perez tossed 2 touchdowns in the contest. Next up, they had a rematch against in-town foe Ed White who defeated them earlier in the season 21-0. But this time would be different. The Golden Eagles handed the Commanders a 13-6 loss, sending shock waves around the city. Paxon’s upset fueled excitement in hopes of another upset in the Regional finals versus state power Choctaw. Yet, the Golden Eagles run ended 33-6 in the panhandle of Florida.

Stanton

Stanton’s post season saw them also make the trip to the panhandle of Florida to face Choctaw in the second round. They would fall 46-6. Still, the Blue Devils can hold their heads high battling adversity all season finishing the season 10-7 including a first round victory over Yulee 18-7. Senior Catherine Brewer had 15 interceptions on the year. Junior quarterback Aiyanna Smiley will be back after passing for 17 TDs.

University Christian

What a year by University Christian as they advanced to the second round o the playoffs. They defeated Newberry 28-0 in the first round. Senior Jahkaylah Robinson caught 2 touchdowns in the game. UC met Bradford in the next round but fell 18-7. Still, the fightin’ Christians went 10-1 in their inaugural season.

Bradford

In their game versus University Christian, Senior Nichelle Brown caught 2 touchdowns. That effort helped lift them to the Regional finals where they took on state power Florida State University High School. Against FSU, Bradford would come up short of victory 14-0 ending the Tornadoes season. They finished the year 14-3 including a first round playoff win over Keystone Heights 37-9. Quarterback Arnayshia Griffin has been dynamic this year, the spectacular junior is returning.

Mandarin

The Mustangs defeated Deland 14-7 in the first round of the playoffs. Sophomore Bridget Martinez and freshman Justice Almon scored for Mandarin in the win. Next, they would face Apopka but fall 27-0. Class 4A had them travel a familiar road to Orlando. However, the Mustangs will be back on the road to success next year.

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