Flag Football: Lady Cowboys Stun Falcons in Season Opener

BY MARK BRENT

Following last season’s disappointing playoff loss, the Cooper City Cowboys girls flag football team hopes to improve and make an even further push into the playoffs this season. On Monday, March 20th, the Cowboys played against their district rival, the Everglades Gators. Last season, Everglades beat the Cowboys in the district title game, however, this season brought in different results.

The first quarter was dominated by the Cowboys. After getting a quick stop on defense, the Cowboys offense went to work. Quarterback Caitlin Dunn drove the Cowboys down the field, and passed the football to wide receiver Emma Anderson to put the Cowboys in the lead. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, they could not managed to capitalize on the extra point, making the game 6-0 early on. Later in the quarter after a back-in-forth battle, Caitlin Dunn threw another pass to receiver Gayla Vicnansky, who made a spectacular catch over her shoulder in the back of the end zone. Again, the Cowboys could not score on the point after, making the game 12-0.

In the second quarter, tensions flared, as neither team could manage to put up any points. Conflicts arose late in the second when the Gators committed a hard foul on the Cowboys quarterback. The referees did a good job controlling the conflicts throughout the game, as this was a similar rematch and repeat of last seasons game. The score at halftime remained the same, as the Cowboys led 12-0.

The third quarter was another defensive battle, as Gayla Vicnansky managed to catch an interception. However, both offenses stalled midway through their drives, and no points were scored. The Cowboy defense stayed discipline throughout the game, as they did not fall for the Gators trick plays, and pulled the Everglades flags consistently.

In the fourth quarter Everglades began to gain momentum. After being down the entirety of the game, the Gators made a crucial defensive stop. With this added momentum, and good field position, the Gators sliced their way through the Cowboy defense and scored their first touchdown. The Cowboys buckled down, and stopped the Gators from scoring the extra point, making the game 12-6. Although the Gators now controlled the momentum of the game, there was simply not enough time for another touchdown. The Cowboys ran out the clock and redeemed themselves from last year.

years team is very smart and much more prepared.” said Senior Captain Samantha Stofsky. “We were very put together last year, but we have amazing chemistry and are very focused this year.”

Final Score: Cowboys 12, Gators 6.