The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Eagles won their fifth flag football game, and an away game, against the previously undefeated Boyd Anderson High School Cobras 6-0 on Thursday, Feb. 27. The game started at 5:30 p.m. at Cobra Field.
The Eagles won the coin toss, declaring they were deferring for the ball during the second half. The first defensive drive ended with a sack by rusher Audrey Haltiwanger (9).
“It’s so fun when I perform well, not only because I contributed to our team, but because when someone does something good, everyone runs to you and celebrates together,” Haltiwanger said.
The second quarter began with a one-handed catch by Haltiwanger, who made it across the 40-yard marker and gave her team the first down. Shortly after, quarterback Samantha Calavetta (8) ran the ball past the 40-down marker towards her opponent’s end of the field.
During the next play, Calavetta threw to center Ava Kelleher (13) who received the ball, bringing the ball 20 yards away from the goal-line. Courtney Heymach (11) took a handoff from Calavetta as she ran into the endzone for the game, scoring a touchdown and resulting in a 6-0 lead at halftime.
“It felt so good to score the touchdown that got us the win especially against Boyd Anderson because it was my birthday,” Heymach said. “It was a super competitive game, and I can’t wait to keep dominating with this team as we continue the season and hopefully make it far in the playoffs.”
Towards the third down of the first drive in the third quarter, wide receiver Sophia Dal Molin (14) got a first down.
“The team works together as a whole by constantly motivating each other during tough games,” Dal Molin said.
During the next play, Kelleher caught the ball and moved it up 15 yards, allowing Heymach to head top the ball, as she moved the ball up five yards away from the goal-line.
“Being a center on the varsity flag football team feels incredibly rewarding and fulfilling,” Kelleher said. “It’s a position that requires a lot of focus, leadership and teamwork. I get to play a key role in every offensive play, whether by snapping the ball or catching it there is always action.”
Towards the end of the fourth quarter, the Cobras went for the first on the fourth down, but the pass was defended by defensive back and wide receiver Caitlin Taylor (3) preventing them from gaining another down.
The victory over the Cobras allowed the Eagles to maintain their five-game winning streak with no losses this season, after losing to Boyd Anderson last year.
“After losing last year to Boyd we had to come ready to win,” Haltiwanger said. “We were all so focused and did what we needed to do. In the end, the win felt so good and the team deserved it.”
The Eagles’ next game is on March 10 at 5 p.m. against the Fort Lauderdale Flying Ls at Cumber Stadium.
