Dawning of a new day: Flag football forges ahead at Glades Central

BELLE GLADE – At some point, Glades Central will be seen as a formidable flag football program.

This is the vision of Zakiya Evans, who is the head coach of a group of female athletes with a lot of potential.

The Lady Raiders have overcome a 0-3 start to come away with a breakthrough 44-0 win at home over Inlet Grove on Tuesday (March 4). Here is a breakdown of how they earned their 44-point margin of victory over the Lady Hurricanes:

•D’yami Meredith – 2 touchdowns 

•Saundra Funderburk – 2 touchdowns 

•Ah’Zyah Wimberly – 1 touchdown 

•Te’Azia Sellers – 1 touchdown

•Taniyah Fowler – 1 sack that caused a safety for 2 points

“It felt great to win, Evans said. “It was long overdue but the team, Coach Holley and I were patient and hungry for it. My players applied pressure throughout the game and kept the momentum going. They showed sportsmanship and played their hearts out to the end. To see the looks on their face after winning on their home field made me proud. There will be more to come but nothing tops that feeling after your first win.”

Glades Central (1-3) has competed in the following games already this season:

•February 20: 26-12 loss to Suncoast

•February 25: 28-0 loss to Somerset Academy Canyons

•February 26: 32-0 loss to Oxbridge Academy

The next game for Glades Central is at home tonight (6:30 pm start time) against Boynton Beach (3-0).

Evans spoke on how her team has played learned from any kind of adversity faced in the growing process.

“Coming from a winless season last year and being able to just score for the first time has showed how much hard work and effort these young ladies have put in,” Evans said. “We learned that there are challenges we will face. But making the right adjustments while keeping our spirits up will lead us in the right direction.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Provided photo