By Tamas Mondovics
One of the most competitive seasons for local girls flag football programs ended last month with the much favored Bloomingdale Bulls claiming its third straight district title (2014, 2015, 2016).
This year’s 2A District 6 playoffs, which marked the 10th year of district tournaments in Hillsborough County, were held at East Bay High School.
The Indians’ entered the season with what program Head Coach Michael Cooper said was “the best team in three years.”
“We have started strong, went to Tallahassee for Capital City Classic tournament going 2-1 with the team record at 6-2,” Cooper said. “Unfortunately, we struggled scoring all year in both wins and losses and finished with an 8-5 record.”
East Bay will graduate three seniors and plans to return seven starters next spring.
Cooper was proud of his second year junior quarterback Sydney Hostelley, who has managed to become number two all-time quarterback.
This year Hostelley completed 289 of 486 passes for 2,802 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and ran for five touchdowns.
Hostelley’s twin sister, Sara, also enjoyed success on the field this year by catching 103 passes for 1,086 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, Sara, posted six interceptions and 39 flag pulls.
Copper was also proud of junior Chloe Dinard, who broke a team record with a 56 yard punt return for a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Courtnee Thaxton posted 45 receptions for 610 yards and four touchdowns this season, while on defense she claimed three interceptions and 49 flag pulls.
Indians newcomer, Troy Suor, junior, who only played the last five games, caught a 70 yard touchdown pass and had 15 sacks.
“With this pace, had Suor played all season she would have broken our sack record of 24 in a season,” Cooper said.
Of course each season can only have one district champion, a title that was claimed by the Bulls (8-2) after defeating the Plant City Raiders 20-7.
“We are very excited to have won the district for the third year in a row,” Bulls Head Coach Mike Lankford said. “We work hard each and every day to try and be a top team in the state.”
The Raiders were added to the district line up, ending the season with a 7-3 record as they played for a seventh district championship (2008, 09, 11, 12, 13, 15).
To reach the title game, Bloomingdale beat East Bay 19-0.
Newsome went 5-4 and beat Bloomingdale in regular season. The Wolves won one district championship in 2011.
For the first time, Riverview (2-7), was led by the Sharks long time wrestling coach Willi Sargable. The team has reportedly showed much improvement and gotten better as the season progressed, playing a number of close games. The Sharks enjoyed the talents of senior Mary Rodriguez who played for Bandits AAU club team and participated in the Bucs recent half-time game.
For more information about East Bay Indians, visit www.ebhsgirlsflagfootball.com.
