PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A player-led team wins championships, and the girls’ flag football team at Spruce Creek High School are seeking to finish the job with a state title.
The 19-0 undefeated squad consists of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors. But they are all bred to win.
“Once we get in the game, we have each other’s backs,” said Zion Willis, the team’s sack leader, “and we lift each other up.”
Whether it’s rushing the quarterback or commanding the offense, the team is bonded together by the love of the game and support for each other.
“Through every bad ball and every mess-up, we keep each other uplifted,” said quarterback Jillian Truax. “We play; we know what we need to do, and we execute, and that’s how we win games.”
The Spruce Creek Hawks will take the field Friday in Tampa in the flag football state semifinals. It’s a first time appearance for the Hawks, a program that’s been solid for years.
“They do have something a little bit special in terms of they don’t really think they’re supposed to lose,” said head coach Andy Price. “It doesn’t matter who it is on the other side, doesn’t matter how close it is.”
Chloe Waldo, the team’s leading wide receiver, feels prepared for the big stage.
“The coaches have done so much for us,” Waldo said. “I’m just super excited that we get to play and get this opportunity in Tampa.”
The Hawks will face top ranked Wellington in the Class 4A semifinals Friday for a chance to play for the state title on Saturday.
“We definitely have high confidence going in,” Truax said, “but we know Wellington is going to give us a good challenge. We’re up for it, and we’re ready to go show them what we have.”