By Kyle LoJacono
The Freedom flag football team defeated District 12 rival and defending state runner-up Alonso 27-21 on April 4.
“Obviously this was a big win for our girls,” said Patriots coach Dennis Derflinger. “The girls have always felt we have a team that is special. Until you face a quality program like Alonso, you really don’t know how good your team can play. This win gives the girls the confidence that they can compete with the top teams in the state.”
Freedom (5-0) beat Alonso (7-1) in large part do to the overall play by senior quarterback Briahanna Jackson. The Wiregrass Ranch transfer went 15 for 20 passing for 135 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 126 rushing yards and another score. Jackson also came up with two interceptions while playing defensive back.
Freedom senior Lindsay Taggart had a team-high four catches for 62 yards, while Shadé Williams led the squad with six flag pulls.
The Patriots followed up the victory against Alonso with another district win, 26-6 against Sickles. Next up for Freedom is a game at Brandon on Tuesday, April 12 followed by a home contest against Gaither on Thursday, April 14. Both games are at 7 p.m.
“We still have some areas that we need to work on and for us that is good news,” Derflinger said. “Each game we have been playing a little better and making adjustments. If we can continue to improve at the rate which we have been from game to game, we should be peaking at just the right time.”
The Patriots will host the District 12 tournament on April 25 and 26.
