WEST PALM BEACH – They may be down, but they are not out for the count.
The Pahokee Lady Blue Devils (6-8; No. 5 seed in District 11-1A tournament) faced a 6-0 deficit in the first quarter to the Cardinal Newman Lady Crusaders (7-8 final record; No. 4 seed) last night (April 14).
In what was officially a win or go home for the season situation, the Muck-based female athletes went to work and made the most of the game’s four quarters. Here is how they got it done in their 15-6 road win:
•First quarter: Touchdown pass from Garianna Row to Kelaijah McNeal to tie it up at 6-6. Two Interceptions by Desire Holmes.
•Halftime score: tied at 6-6
•Third quarter: pick-six by Amelia Banks, extra point by Kaliyah Robinson for 13-6 lead
•Fourth quarter: safety by Talyn Phillips and Armarria Sutton on a double rush 15-6 lead with 1:48 left
•Fourth quarter: interception by Korlissia Young
With the win, Pahokee will get a rematch in the District 11-1A semifinal round on the road against No. 1 seed Somerset Academy Canyons 11-3). The Muck’s premier flag football program hopes to avenge its season-opening 16-0 loss to Canyons on Wednesday night (April 16; 6 p.m. start time).
Pahokee started the season with a 0-4 record, but has won six of its last 10 games in its mission to show continuous improvement. Its best win this season was arguably against Glades Central in the Ladies Muck Bowl (7-0 home win on April 3).
Pahokee head coach Bryan Crawford has been their primary cheerleader and guide throughout the season. He is happy for all the strides they have made since the season began in the middle of February.
“I tell them that regardless of what’s going on, they should never give up,” Crawford said. “They should keep fighting and keep pushing. They have learned that there is another team on the other side of that ball that wants it just as much as they do. I told them to stay focused and not hold their heads down because when you’re hardest hit, you mustn’t quit.”
Will the season continue with a district title game appearance? Or will the season end tonight for the Lady Blue Devils?
We will see how it goes tonight at Somerset Academy Canyons.
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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