Seminole Ridge must fend off area rivals

Another high school flag football season is underway in Florida, which means another chance for Seminole Ridge to fortify a dynasty that includes five state titles in the last seven years.

The reigning Class 2A champions are hungry for yet another repeat, but after graduating nine players from the 2016 squad, the scuttlebutt around the state is that the sheen may be wearing off for coach Scott O’Hara’s team.

“I’ve heard talk about it, but I don’t concern myself with the rankings, honestly,” O’Hara said.

The No. 2 team in FloridaHSFootball.com’s state rankings, the Hawks are already making a case that the road to a 2A title still goes through Loxahatchee, but they’ll see plenty of local competition this year.

Current No. 6 Park Vista gave the Hawks their biggest scare of the season in last year’s regional semifinal. Cobras coach Carlton Smith calls his team a balanced, blue-collar group with an unassuming air, a character he says is typified by returning All-State WR/ LB Haley Brownell. “She’s not a vocal leader,” Smith said. “She leads by example.”

No. 7 Dwyer, led by senior QB Shannon McCool, is also in the mix, hoping to improve on their 8-4 record from 2016. With just three players lost from that team and former Seminole Ridge coach Austin Bowe serving as an assistant under coach Rich Dujon, the Panthers may have the Hawks’ number when they face off on April 11.

Pines Charter could break out

In Class 1A, Pines Charter looks set to improve on last year’s 6-2 season with a trio of returning standouts: sophomore Jahneal Morgan, junior Ashlynn Correa and senior QB/DB Cristine Alayon.

Through four games, the Jaguars have outscored their opponents, including last year’s District 13-1A champ Coconut Creek, by a 115-18 margin, with Morgan proving dangerous no matter where she lines up. She has 11 touchdowns thus far — two passing, seven receiving, one a punt return and two pick-6’s.

Western (3-1) hopes to break through in 2A, led by Samantha Ford. The sophomore QB completed 72 percent of her passes as a freshman, recording 31 touchdowns and just four interceptions. The Wildcats have already avenged their loss to Piper in last year’s district championship with a 14-13 win on March 21.

“We have a very positive outlook,” O’Brien said. “I think anything less than a district championship is a disappointment.”

HANDOUT Seminole Ridge is looking to repeat as Class 2A state champions.