By Tamas Mondovics
Keeping his promise at the start of the season, East Bay High School Girls Flag Football coach Michael Cooper led the program to its sixth district championship last month.
To claim the title the Indians defeated three-time defending champions Bloomingdale in a 14-13 shootout, which allowed the Indians to advance to and win the first round of regionals. This season, was undoubtedly and rightfully East Bay’s as the well-balanced and talented team reclaimed the coveted trophy with a perfect 7-0 district record and it was the third time for East Bay to reach the second round of regionals in school history.
Aside from winning the trophy, when the game was over, East Bay did not only play its ninth district championship, but also posted its 100th win, in 11 years.
Only two other coaches can claim 100 wins in the county: Josh Saunders of Robinson 134, Matt Hernandez of Alonso 106.
“I have enjoyed coaching many talented players in the past and we had great teams, but as I said at the beginning of the season, this is by far the best team that we have ever had,” Cooper said. “They deserve it.
They have worked hard and kept the right attitude all for the love of the game. I am proud of what my players have achieved for me and themselves because they believe in my direction, which is, “Do the best, be the best you can be as a daughter, sister, student, and teammate. I love my players for what they’ve accomplished.”
The last time the two teams met was in 2015, when Bloomingdale led by program head coach Michael Lankford had the upper hand and defeated the Indians 27-6 to win their second district tile in a row. The Bull’s winning streak continued in 2016 with a powerful 20-7 victory over Plant City to claim the 2A District 6 championship victory; the program’s third in as many years.
To the Bulls credit, last month’s bout could have gone either way and was as good and as exciting as high school sports get.
For more information about East Bay High School Girls Flag Football please visit www.ebhsgirlsflagfootball.com.
