Girls flag football makes its FHSAA debut

Girls flag football is being recognized by the Florida High School Athletic Association for the first time this spring, and Fernandina Beach High School hosted West Nassau Thursday to kick off the inaugural season.

“Trying to build this thing from the ground up,” said D.J. Ford, coach for the FBHS Lady Pirates.

The Lady Pirates blanked the Lady Warriors 26-0.

Junior running back and captain Betty Elliott scored twice, one on the ground and one through the air, and sophomore wide receiver Danielle Albert scored a rushing touchdown for FBHS. Senior linebacker Amelia Cutshaw, who is also a captain, had a pick-six.

The Lady Pirates added another win Monday, when they hosted the Hilliard Lady Flashes. The hosts edged their guests 12-6 in overtime.

FBHS junior quarterback Julia Weiser scored the winning TD on the first possession in overtime.

“Hilliard did get a chance with the ball, but a sack by sophomore rusher Alexis Malone on first down put them behind, and we held on the final three plays to seal the win,” Ford said.

“Honestly, I’m very happy at this point. To start a brand new FHSAA program, and only get in a handful of practices, we’re ahead of schedule. I think once we iron out all the kinks offensively, we’re going to be a very good football team.”

Playoffs are determined by the district tournament, and the winner advances to the playoffs, according to Ford.

“Seeding is determined by state rank, which the first rankings in MaxPreps should be coming out next week,” he said.

The Lady Pirates (2-0) head to Baker County Thursday. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. for all games this season.