By Tamas Mondovics
The 2014 spring flag football season has once again proved to merit the attention of fans throughout the county, lining up a number of much-improved as well as experienced championship-bound teams that have been working hard all season, motivated simply by the love of the game.
After a mixed start, while sporting one of its least experienced team in seven years, East Bay was poised to hold onto its status in a tough district lineup, facing the Bloomingdale Bulls and Newsome Wolves as well as newcomer to the realigned district, Durant Cougars.
The rest of District 13, with teams from Spoto and Riverview, pose little threat to the conference.
One of the most improved programs in the district for the season undoubtedly goes to Bloomingdale, led by program head coach Michael Langford. The Bulls have been leading the conference from the start.
The girl’s solid 29-0 regular season win against the Indians gave the program its confirmation of how far they have come since Langford took over. The Bulls entered the district playoffs as a number two seed team.
“Our win against East Bay was a huge confidence booster for us,” Langford said. “We did focus on the Indians, but we are not done, and are now looking forward to playing one of the best teams in the district.”
Unfortunately, the Bulls efforts fell just short of the mark after meeting Durant a week later, led by head coach Brad Brunson and four-year starter, senior quarterback Jessica McClernan.
Thanks to the current year’s district realignment, Durant found itself at the right place at the right time for a chance to finally finish the season with a district title, which seemed more achievable after its 21-20 overtime defeat of the Bulls.
Prior to joining its current district lineup, the Cougars repeatedly played and lost the championship to former district rival Plant City. The Raiders were able to maintain a strong stand, year after year, at the same time help raise awareness of the now popular sport.
For a full update of the district tournament, visit www.ebhsgirlsflagfootball.com/2014_hillsborough_gff_master_schedule.
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