(This article was revised to change the video.)
The Destin Sharks scored ― and scored often ― to beat the FAMU DRS Rattlers 37-12 in the semifinals of the Class 1A District 1 flag football tournament played at Destin Middle School Marlin Field on April 21.
“It was a great team win,” Destin coach Kyle Bryant said.
The Sharks scored on every possession in the first half.
“We were able to put the babies (underclassmen) in at the end. We got a little lack of discipline at the end, but that’s what this time is for,” Bryant said.
“But I’m proud of the performance we did in the first half. The varsity did a good job,” he said.
“Neilya Stewart was like a real point guard … she distributed the ball on offense,” Bryant said. Stewart, who threw six touchdowns in the win, also plays point guard for the Sharks basketball team.
Bryant mentioned other standouts, such as Evie Gherdovich and Kaylee Kaiser.
“I’m very pleased with the first half. But the job is not done,” Bryant said.
This was the first win for the Sharks flag football team in the district tournament.
“Now let’s go play for the championship,” Bryant said as he walked off the field.
The Sharks travel to Tallahassee on April 22 to take on Florida State University High School in the championship game.
The Sharks have not faced FSUHS. Nevertheless, Bryant said, “no fear.”
In Tuesday’s semifinal win, the Sharks scored on every possession in the first half.
The Sharks scored in the first few minutes of the game, with Stewart hitting Gherdovich on a route down the left side of the field. She took it 55 yards for the score. The extra-point attempt failed, but Destin was on the board 6-0.
FAMU took over, but not for long. Destin’s Emma Eiland intercepted a Rattler pass.
The Sharks scored three plays later with Stewart hitting Kaiser in the endzone. Anna Crisan made a catch for the extra point and Destin led 13-0.
On FAMU’s next possession, the Sharks again interrupted with Stewart pulling down an interception.
Three plays later, Stewart connected with Gherdovich for a score on a 10-yard pass play. The extra point failed. Destin led 19-0 at the end of the first quarter.
At the start of the second, Destin again put a halt to the Rattlers. Stewart picked off another pass for the Sharks.
This time Destin scored in two plays. Stewart connected with Gherdovich from 8 yards out. The extra-point attempt failed, but Destin led 25-0.
On FAMU’s next possession, Destin forced a punt.
The Sharks scored in two plays with Stewart hitting Lindi Mansfield on a route for a catch-and-run for the score. Destin led 31-0.
On FAMU’s next possession, the Sharks again intercepted with Gherdovich coming down with the ball.
Three plays later, Stewart connected with Kaiser in the endzone for the score. Destin led 37-0 at the half.
With a running clock in the second half, Destin made several substitutions on the field. FAMU scored twice in the fourth quarter.
This article originally appeared on The Destin Log: Destin Sharks flag football team advances to district championship
Reporting by Tina Harbuck, The Destin Log / The Destin Log
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
